Renewing our minds (Final)

 The Bible is clear on what the mind of every man born into this sinful world is like. The psalmist describes it well: “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” -Psalm 51:5. Such a mind acquires the sinful thoughts and feelings of the world into which it is born and also ends up being nothing but a sinful mind, which as stated clearly, “the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.” – Romans 8:7.

By default, every one of us is wired to follow the world’s pat­tern, and none of us can on the basis of good intentions alone to have a godly mind and succeed on our own. Paul had earlier cried out his frustration: “I know that noth­ing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do — this I keep on doing… What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” – Rom. 7:18-24.

Paul finds an answer in the same passage when he says “Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord” – Romans 7:25. Through our union with Christ, we become transformed by “the renewing of the mind” – Romans 12:2b.

PRACTICAL WAYS TO RENEW THE MIND

Paul’s counsel is clear, “do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world, for “those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” -Romans 8:5. Therefore, “be transformed by the renew­ing of your mind.” Some Biblical guidelines that are of immense benefit to those eager to guard the avenues of their minds and constantly renew are:

• Guard Your Eyes: “I will set before my eyes no vile thing…. I will have nothing to do with evil… My eyes will be on the faithful in the land that they may dwell with me; he whose walk is blameless will minister to me.” – Psalm 101:3, 6.

• Protect Your Ears: “Whoever slanders his neighbour in secret, him will I put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, him will I not en­dure…. No-one who practices de­ceit will dwell in my house; no-one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.”

-Psalm 101:5,7.

• Watch Your Mouth: “I will sing of your love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will sing praise.” Psalm 101:1. “You shall not give false testi­mony against your neighbour. Exodus 20:16.

• Nurture Your Heart: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” – Psalm 119:11. “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” – Joshua 1:8

We need to be patient though because transformation into Godlikeness is a long process, and not a one-time act. It will come gradually and visibly as our mind is being renewed daily. It won’t be hidden, for when our minds start getting renewed, it will reflect in our speech and actions. People will see and note the change. They will see a drift away from the pat­tern of the world that we used to be in conformity with, and realise that a metamorphosis is taking place.

In conclusion, Paul says: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, what­ever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praisewor­thy — think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8.

To Ponder: Frances Havergal, the writer of the hymn, “Live out Thy Life Within Me” penned the following words as part of the song: “Live out Thy life within me, in all things have Thy way! I, the transparent medium, Thy glory to display.” Is your mind being renewed daily, and can the world see through you to the display of God’s glory in you as you get trans­formed?

By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author