What does a renewed mind look like? Our theme for the past conference was renewing your mind inspired by Romans 12:2.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his good and pleasing and perfect will”- Romans 12:2
Renewing your mind begins with renewing your thoughts. A mind that is being renewed can begin to discern God’s will and reject the common thoughts of the world. It can test and approve His will. It becomes more about His will over our own ways.
How do we do that?
- Meditate on His Word
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”- Psalm 1: 1-3
Scripture is God-breathed (2 Tim 3:16) and it transforms our thoughts and minds as we read and meditate on it daily. Little by little as we take it in, we begin to see change in our attitudes, how we handle situations, and our own relationships.
The more we allow God’s word to guide our lives, His word becomes a lamp to light our path (Psalm 119:105).
2. Filtering Our Surroundings
“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” – Matthew 6:22
What are we seeing or engaging in? What type of environment do we surround ourselves in? How is it impacting our thoughts?
This verse signifies the importance of what we take in with our eyes. A lot of times the surroundings we put ourselves in impacts what we see and that impacts the rest of us. If our environment tells us to only seek money, worldly success, or fame at all costs, this impacts our actions and determines our perspective of reality. A renewed mind is not focused on earthly rewards and laying treasures here in on earth, but rather has a focus on laying treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20).
3. Spending Time in His Presence
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.”- Luke 10:38-39
One of my favorite stories is about two sisters who encountered Jesus. While Martha opened her home to Him and was busy with preparations, her sister Mary sat by Jesus’ feet to listen to what He had to say. When Martha was angry that her sister would not help and asked Jesus to interfere, He responded simply,
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”- Luke 10:41-42
Most of the time, we become so busy and even though we believe in the importance of our work, sometimes all we need is to sit at His feet. When we begin to sit in God’s presence, we open ourselves up to Him. We begin to hear Him.
Allowing God to speak is so critical because opening ourselves up to Him allows Him to intervene and speak into all areas of our lives. He shows us His love for us and being given that kind of love, we begin to pour out love to those we come across. He begins to transform us from the inside out.
Graceful Strides 