We are told numerous times that we, as in WE, need to renew our minds. But exactly what does this mean? (Always remember that when we are asked, commanded to do something, that it really is something we can do.) Scripture provides many verses that speak to this issue: 2 Timothy 1:7, Jeremiah 33:3, Matthew 12:34-35, Proverbs 3:5 are only a few.
Ephesians 4:22-32 is the most explicit about the what and why of renewal. The following (ESV) examples provide a quick summary:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal
of your mind…”
Why? “… that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is
good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
“…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever
is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any
excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these
things.” (Philippians 1:8)
We live in this world and are constantly bombarded with the ways of the world. If for no other reason than a commitment to Who we have accepted as our Lord, renewal is the method toward our growth and understanding. Renewal is always our choice.
Looking at the Romans and Philippians verses we read a ‘why’ we need to renew – that we may discern what is the will of God. By inference this means we CAN know the will of God which should impact our sense of understanding and confidence that we are growing in the ways of the Lord.
Philippians speaks to what we need to replace the old thoughts with. I’m a firm believer in replacement because we don’t want to just rid ourselves of those self-defeating, counter productive thoughts and attitudes which always leads to bad behavior… we need to replace where they were with the thoughts of whatever is…(v. 8). Reason – we don’t want to find ourselves in the predicament indicated in Matthew 12 – the return of the old thoughts and an increase in them.
The point is – we need to renew. We CAN renew. And from this grow into the best ‘us’ we can be. Apart from renewing – we are handicapped.
