"The Purpose of a Renewed Mind" (Romans 12:2)

The Bible has much to say concerning the mind of the Christ follower. Our text says, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." The purpose of a renewed mind is to prevent the Christ follower from being influenced by or squeezed into the mold of this world. What does Paul mean by the term "this world?" This term refers to the system of values, standards, beliefs, and thinking that are contrary and hostile to God. It speaks of a system of operation that's dominated by Satan. Paul told the Christ followers at Corinth, "And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (2 Cor. 4:3-4). Here, we're given the same term, "this world" as is in Romans 12:2! We're told that Satan blinds people to God's truth through the world system he has brought about. The world system has its origin in the devil! The world system is at war with God! Is there any wonder why Paul tells the Christ follower to renew his mind? Paul is saying "stop thinking in ways which do not reflect the born again nature that's inside us!" From physical birth, our life has been lived by a mental attitude called the human viewpoint. This viewpoint looks at and interprets life through the limitations of human wisdom, strength, and resources! As Christ followers, we're to begin changing from the human viewpoint to God's viewpoint which is found in His Word. How and what we think is important to God. Do you think it should be important to us? By renewing our minds, we open ourselves to God for Him to make any corrections and adjustments needed in our thinking! Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes who you are! It all begins with our thinking! Your move. Be encouraged!