A Renewed Mind

Whether you’re a new believer or a seasoned, mature Christian, you know that no area in your life can change overnight. There are no quick fixes or microwave remedies to your life or your problems.

Transformation is a process, sometimes slow and steady, and it takes passionate dedication as you seek to experience true spiritual growth. For example, in Romans 12:2, Paul says you are “transformed by the renewing of your mind.” As a result, you “have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).

This process begins when you first repent and are born again, but Paul is addressing his statement to many believers who have already walked with the Lord for quite a while. The message is clear: Your mind will steadily be renewed as you make a daily commitment to study and obey God’s Word and as you allow His Holy Spirit to shape your thoughts and actions.

Think of it this way: When babies are born, they don’t come into the world walking and talking. Their memory is a blank slate. They have to learn to walk and learn to talk. But over time, babies develop mentally, physically, and emotionally. Maturity takes place. New skills are learned.

It’s the same with the new birth (John 3:1–8). When a person surrenders their life to Christ and asks Him to be the Lord of their life, old things are supposed to pass away and all things are supposed to become new. Spiritual growth occurs at a steady rate, but it often requires perseverance, growth, and self-discipline:

Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation (1 Peter 2:2 NASB).

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18 NASB).

Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness (1 Timothy 4:7 NASB).

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1–2).

Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises (Hebrews 6:12).

Many other verses could be cited to show that spiritual growth and transformation involve a process rather than a one-time event.

Take a look at the promise from Proverbs 4:18: “The path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.” Once your new life in Him begins, God wants the light of your testimony to grow brighter and brighter until all can see the incredible transformation He has brought about in your life!

Take time this month to meditate on these life-giving Scriptures.

Week One
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2

Week Two
Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ …
2 Corinthians 10:5

Week Three
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Philippians 4:8

Week Four
For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:16