Fruitful Living
Renewing our minds (Part 1)
When someone accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, “he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17. That is why Apostle Paul advises us in Romans 12:2 (our key text) “do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world.” But it doesn’t end there.
A MIND TRANSFORMED
Nature abhors vacuums so when something is taken away from a space and that space is not quickly refilled, other things will start creeping in to fill up the space. The Bible gives an illustration of what happens when a vacuum is created in the life of a believer: “When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, `I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”- Matthew 12:43-45.
A believer’s Christian experience is supposed to move from the initial phase of justification by faith in Christ, to daily sanctification for holy living, to glorification at Jesus’ second coming, and to eventual restoration to the pre-fall harmony between God and man. Knowing that the heart of a believer cannot be left empty after clearing it of the worldly things, Paul gives the prescription for daily sanctification with which to fill the vacuum: “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
WHAT KIND OF
TRANSFORMATION?
Transformation is defined as “a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance or a metamorphosis during the life cycle of an animal.” We find these kinds of transformation happening all the time around us. Examples include a baby that we see twenty years later as an adult, a cancer survivor who has regained lost weight, a new mother we saw last when she was eight months pregnant.
I have seen many actors and actresses in real life whose faces do not look as flawless at close range as they do on TV. I now know that the credit for their on-screen transformation often belongs to makeup. Similarly, a smelly room can be transformed with air freshener, people with the right clothing, and a gloomy room with the right colours and objects.
No doubt all of these examples of transformation look good, but they are all external and non-lasting forms of transformation. They are definitely not the kind of transformation Paul has in mind as capable of filling the vacuum left by non-conformity with the world’s pattern. He says, “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The right kind of transformation that he’s talking about here is not the one that comes from make-up slathered on, or having a particular dress on, or the right colors thrown here and there. It is the kind that comes “by the renewing of the mind.” What then is the state of the human mind that it needs to be thus renewed?
- By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author
AS the blessed month of Ramadan gradually draws to a close, Muslims across the world enter what is widely regarded as the most sacred and spiritually rewarding period of the entire month—the last 10 days of Ramadan. For believers, these final days represent not merely the conclusion of fasting but the climax of a profound spiritual journey.
Throughout Ramadan, Muslims engage in fasting, prayer, charity, and self-discipline in order to cultivate righteousness and strengthen their relationship with Allah. Yet the final 10 days are particularly unique because they contain extraordinary opportunities for forgiveness, spiritual renewal, and divine mercy. It is during this period that Muslims are encouraged to intensify their devotion, increase acts of worship, and seek closeness to their Creator.
The Qur’an highlights the significance of Ramadan itself, reminding believers that it was during this month that divine revelation began. Allah states that Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed as guidance for humanity and as clear proof distinguishing truth from falsehood (Qur’an 2:185). However, the greatest spiritual treasures of Ramadan are believed to lie hidden within its final nights.
Laylatul Qadr: The night greater than a lifetime
The most important event expected during the last ten days is Laylatul Qadr, commonly translated as the Night of Power or the Night of Decree. The Qur’an describes this night as one that is better than a thousand months of worship (Qur’an 97:1–5). In practical terms, this means that a single night of sincere devotion may carry rewards greater than more than eighty-three years of continuous worship.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised the extraordinary blessings attached to this night. He taught that whoever stands in prayer on Laylatul Qadr with sincere faith and hope in Allah’s reward will have all their past sins forgiven (Sahih al-Bukhari 1901; Sahih Muslim 760).
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) further taught us the most auspicious supplication on that night:
“Oh Allah, you are the forgiver, you love to forgive, so forgive me.”
Because the precise date of Laylatul Qadr is not known, Muslims are encouraged to seek it during the odd-numbered nights within the last ten days of Ramadan (Sahih al-Bukhari 2017). This encourages believers to maintain devotion throughout the entire period rather than focusing on a single night.
I‘tikāf: A retreat for the soul
Another important spiritual practice associated with the last ten days of Ramadan is I‘tikāf, a form of spiritual retreat in the mosque devoted entirely to worship and reflection.
During I‘tikāf, a believer withdraws temporarily from daily distractions and focuses exclusively on strengthening their relationship with Allah. The wife of the Prophet Muhammad, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), reported that the Prophet regularly observed I‘tikāf during the last ten days of Ramadan until his passing (Sahih al-Bukhari 2026; Sahih Muslim 1172).
Those who observe I‘tikāf dedicate their time to reciting and studying the Qur’an, performing voluntary prayers, remembering Allah through dhikr, seeking forgiveness, and making sincere supplications. The Qur’an itself acknowledges those who remain in retreat in the mosques as part of their devotion (Qur’an 2:187).
Zakatul Fitr: Ensuring no one is left behind
At its conclusion, Muslims are required to give Zakatul Fitr, a charitable donation distributed to the poor before the Eid prayer.
The Prophet Muhammad made this charity obligatory upon every Muslim, young or old, male or female (Sahih al-Bukhari 1503; Sahih Muslim 984). The wisdom behind this obligation is both spiritual and social.
Zakatul Fitr serves to purify the fasting person from any mistakes or shortcomings that may have occurred during Ramadan. At the same time, it provides food and support to the poor so that they too can celebrate the festival of Eid with dignity and happiness (Sunan Abu Dawud 1609).
Following the Prophetic example
The Prophet Muhammad treated the last 10 days of Ramadan with exceptional seriousness and devotion. According to Aisha, when these nights began, he intensified his worship, spent the nights in prayer, and encouraged his family members to do the same (Sahih al-Bukhari 2024; Sahih Muslim 1174).
This prophetic example offers important lessons for Muslims today. Believers are encouraged to use these final days to increase night prayers, recite and reflect upon the Qur’an, make abundant supplications, remember Allah frequently, and give charity generously.
A rare opportunity that must not be wasted
One of the most powerful lessons of Ramadan is that spiritual opportunities do not last forever. Many believers begin Ramadan with enthusiasm but gradually lose momentum as the month progresses.
However, the true success of Ramadan lies in finishing the month stronger than it began. The Prophet warned that a person is truly unfortunate if Ramadan passes and their sins are not forgiven (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3545).
For this reason, Muslims are encouraged during these final days to sincerely repent to Allah, repair broken relationships, forgive others, increase acts of kindness, and renew their commitment to righteous living.
The final stretch of the spiritual journey
The last 10 days of Ramadan represent one of the greatest opportunities for spiritual transformation in the life of a believer. Within these nights lies Laylatul Qadr—a night whose blessings exceed decades of worship.
These days also remind Muslims of the importance of reflection, charity, discipline, and devotion. They provide a chance to correct past mistakes, seek forgiveness, and renew one’s relationship with Allah.
Those who seize these final days with sincerity and determination may leave Ramadan not only forgiven but spiritually renewed and strengthened for the journey ahead.
Author’s profile
Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai is the Kpone Katamanso Municipal Chief Imam, a Governance Expert, and a Certified Counsellor. He regularly contributes to national discourse on religion, social development, governance, and moral leadership, and participates in media discussions on family life, ethics, and community development.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, Kpone Katamanso Municipal Chief Imam | Governance Expert | Certified Counsellor
Satan tempts Jesus with the offer of rulership over all the kingdoms of the world, a proposal that Jesus rejects. This could be viewed as an appeal for material wealth, possessions and power.
Jesus’ kingdom in this age is not a worldly kingdom. Throughout His ministry, Jesus would refuse to seek a kingdom for Himself by the worldly methods of compromise, earthly power, political maneuvering, external violence or personal popularity.
Jesus’ kingdom is a spiritual one, established in the hearts of His people, who have also refused to follow the ungodly ways of the world. As a heavenly kingdom,
- It is gained through suffering, self – denial, humility and meekness – the opposite of how worldly people pursue power;
- It requires surrendering ourselves as living and holy sacrifices completely devoted and obedient to God and His purposes; Romans 12:1 – Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
- It involves a battle against Satan, sin, temptation and evil using spiritual weapons. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. – Ephesians 6:10-20.
- It means resisting conformity to the beliefs, behaviours and lifestyles that are common in the world. Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. – 1 John 2:15-17
Satan’s appeal to worship Him was an attempt to get Jesus to take a quick route to a world domination – to avoid the humility and sufferings that would lead to Jesus’ death on the cross. This is to say, the devil was trying to get Jesus to lay aside His entire purpose for coming to earth. Christ’s willingness to face all the difficulties that lay ahead is an example to all believers. He taught us that there are no shortcuts to fulfilling God’s perfect purposes for our lives, no matter how tempting the options may seem.
Stay Blessed!
By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee
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