Renewing Your Mind

By Tosin Lawal

Devotional Reading: 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 NIV

The Word of God instructs us not to conform to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that we may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. The pattern of this world refers to anything that goes against God’s plan and purpose for humanity, anything that contradicts His counsel.

Transformation into God’s pattern requires renewing the mind through feeding on His Word (filling your heart with God’s Word). The degree of transformation depends on the extent to which the mind is renewed with God’s Word, which in turn depends on how much you feed your heart with it.

As a keen believer, you don’t necessarily have to pray for God to transform your heart. Rather, the proper prayer is for the eyes of your understanding to be enlightened as you give attention to God’s Word in such a way that your mind is greatly edified.

The truth is, when the mind is renewed to a large extent, transformation follows. This is a principle of God found in His Word. Even if you pray for transformation, you still need to listen to God and follow His instructions. The starting point is listening to Him through the pages of the Scriptures. Renewing your mind with His Word will bring about transformation.

Prayer and Confession
I will not be conformed to the pattern of this world. I will give attention to God’s word so that my mind will be renewed towards the transformation God desires for my life.

Further Readings: Ephesians 1:15-19, Colossians 1:9-14.