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Renew Your Mind

Romans 12:2 tells us that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. But how do we do this? Most of us know how to renew subscriptions, licenses and passports, but how do we renew our minds?

We can only achieve this with the help of God’s Holy Spirit, as we follow the pattern outlined in Ephesians 4:22-24.

First, we are to throw off and completely discard our old sinful nature and former way of life. Maybe before you gave your heart to Jesus, there were certain patterns of thinking you had about yourself that were negative or fearful and made you anxious. That is an example of your old sinful nature that you must no longer entertain in your mind or heart. Invite the Holy Spirit to help you discard these old mindsets, and be vigilant about taking thoughts captive that represent them.

Second, we must let the Holy Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes to come into alignment with God's Word. The Amplified Bible version says, “be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude].” Wow! Through the power of the Holy Spirit and continual meditation on God's Word, we can have our minds renewed to the point of being fresh and untarnished. It cannot be emphasized enough that there is no substitute for the Word of God! The Bible is such a precious and powerful gift from God, but it can only change us if we allow it to go in!

Thirdly, we must put on our new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. This reminds us that it’s not a one-off event, but a daily habit. Just as we get dressed every day, so too we must be disciplined in our decision to forsake the old and put on the new.

Perhaps there are areas or thought patterns in our minds that need renewing today. Let’s be encouraged to bring those to God in prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to set us free from our old sinful nature and renew our mindsets, so we can put on that new nature of true righteousness—just like Him.

Prayer: Lord, I choose today and every day not to conform to the pattern of the world, but instead be renewed in my mind through the power of Your Holy Spirit. I throw off my old nature, invite your supernatural power of renewal and commit to putting on my new nature daily.