Since we are told to renew our minds… what does this mean? Have you ever thought about the what, how of renewal? Not only the need to renew our mind… nor only the how to renew… but the renew to what? I realize that I’ve written about this before and probably will again… probably because this appears to be such an important act that we need to ‘do’ once we have accepted Jesus as Lord.
Part of the reason, I think, is because we are the ones doing the doing. It isn’t done for us as salvation was. Renewal takes commitment and understanding of what we are doing and why and what all this means. No one can renew our minds… we must. Some of the scriptures related to this are:
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day.”
(2 Corinthians 4:16)“And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;” (Ephesians 4:23)
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
There is a great deal of meat in those five verses relating to most of the questions about renewing. Romans talks about not being conformed to this world so that we can prove the will of God. Philippians tells us what we can think on to continue in our walk and set our minds on positive things. Ephesians tells to be renewed. Colossians tells us where we should set our thinking. All of these form a foundation related to the how and what of renewing.
As is much of our spiritual life and growth, renewal is not a one and done. It is a continual journey. In so many places we are told that our minds are the devil’s playground. We do have the power to lock the gates against our enemy. Plus, the only way he knows if he is successful is by observing our actions. When we consciously think and act on Whose we are and how we can be our best us, then the devil has no place in us.
When you put on your armor in the morning after rising, simply arm yourself with the thoughts that will be pleasing to the Lord and give a good report. We are in a war. But not one that is of flesh and blood.
“The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty…” ( 2 Corinthians 10:4 )
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
