The renewed mind and why it matters

To be a Christian means to have a new identity. When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are made new, immediately, starting at day one. We have a new identity and a new destiny.

In Christ, we are now:

We are redeemed and forgiven. (Ephesians 1:7)

We are in right standing with God. (Romans 5:1)

We have eternal life. (John 10:38)

However, our mind and thoughts (and therefore life) may not line up immediately with this truth. Have we been changed? What’s the deal? While our spiritual condition is new, our hearts and minds must be renewed, continuously. 

“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, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

As Christians, we have been given the Holy Spirit to help us live on the outside the change that has happened on the inside; to give us new thoughts, desires, direction, and a new way of life. It is God who works in us to know him, love him, and look more like Christ; to follow God's ways, not out of duty, guilt or obligation but love and devotion. Therefore, we want to do what we know we should do. 

New mind, new beliefs

We need our minds renewed to see God’s ways as the right way. Our natural minds cannot. Our minds are naturally bent toward ourselves and not God. We do not naturally see God as more worthy of praise, devotion, and sacrifice than ourselves or our lives. Although we are new spiritually, we carry old beliefs, false beliefs. These lies (that's what they are) determine how we feel about ourselves, other people, God, and life itself; they are the patterns of this world. 

• The world says, "You must do everything you can to meet your needs." But God says, "I got you."

  “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

• The world says, "It’s up to you to determine where you go in life. But God says, "I will give you direction."

  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

• The world says, "You are responsible for your own happiness." But God says, "I will give you joy."

  “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11

• The world says, "You have to look out for yourself." But God says, "I will fight your battles."

  “This is what the Lord says to you. ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15

• The world says, "Go, grind, no time to rest." But God says, "I will give you rest."

  “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Okay, so we ought to follow God’s ways and not the world’s. We should believe God’s word and not the world’s. We do this by allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our minds. Now, how do we do that, you ask.

4 Steps to Renewing Your Mind

1. Prayer and time with God

   We start to look, think, and act like those we spend time with. Living life with God, through prayer, quality time, and continuous fellowship, changes us for the better. God is always speaking to us, but it’s through devoted and dedicated time with him that we can see and hear more clearly.

2. God’s word

   We combat false beliefs with the truth of God. Search the scriptures to see what God has to say about life and how to live it. Is what we believe about ourselves, other people, and our circumstances actually true? “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

3. Worship

   The world can be brutal and life tough. But they are no match for God. Worship opens up our minds to the truth of God, and that nothing is too hard, difficult, or impossible for the Almighty (Luke 1:37). Worship puts God in the right place and it puts us in ours. We find peace, security, and joy that the world cannot provide. 

4. Think about what you’re thinking about

   We think often and always. Most of our thoughts come and go without us noticing. But when we have a thought that creates unease or distress, we need to identify it, confess it to God, and ask for help in thinking right, true things. "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5

   “Finally, brothers and sisters, 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