“The New Creation” Day 8: Transforming the mind is necessary in order to live the resurrected life of the new creation.
In referencing the new creation, we have discussed the fact that through the work of Jesus Christ, our change is more than skin deep. Indeed, the Lord, in providing an antidote for our sin, transfers us from death and darkness, into life and light. That is to say, rather than being controlled by the things of darkness, such that we are doomed to fulfill its lust, now, we can be controlled by the Holy Spirit of God. As such, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, then enables us to be conformed into the full image of Jesus Christ, inwardly, not just in terms of modified behavior. However, this process requires obedience to the word of God.
You see, when we come to faith in Jesus Christ, although we are given a new heart, a heart sensitive to the Spirit of God, we are not struck with amnesia such that we forget our former life. The sway of the world, the flesh, and the devil, is not abolished, but rather, having the Holy Spirit indwelling, gives us the ability to say no to sin and yes to God’s way of being and doing. And, the more we replace our old way of thinking with what God has said, the less power the world, the flesh, and the devil can be exercised over us.
We all have to be aware of the fact that we are viewing things, analyzing things, perceiving things, through a framework. This framework through which we make sense of our lives, is also referenced as a PARADIGM. The process of being transformed by the renewing of our mind, brings the paradigm shift that makes it possible for us to live a life that is pleasing to God, a life that is victorious over sin.
The Apostle Paul urged the Romans to renew their minds so that they could be obedient to God. Paul urged them to not allow their context, their circumstances, to determine how they thought. Rather, they were to consider their lives as a sacrifice before the Lord. And, by focusing on God‘s way of being and doing, they would be transformed in their minds!
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Romans 12:1-2 NLT
Child of God, we must humbly seek the Lord, asking Him to fully transform us, to sever from us, the residue of darkness. Only then will we be able to fully share His heart, think His thoughts, and do His will.
Next time, we’ll talk more about the renewed mind.