Bible Reading: Psalm 84, 85,86; Romans 12
“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 (KJV)
People are either being conformed or transformed in their minds. Conformity means to act in accordance with expectations. This means that people are not expecting something different from you. It also means to behave in a manner of others, especially as a result of social pressure. The world wants you and me to conform to its ways; it already has a system that regulates behaviour in line with its goals. When you act differently you are laughed at or even scorned.
The world is under Satan’s rule and his aim is to make sure that human behaves contrary to the will and plan of God for them here on earth. And a good way to do this is to make sure the mind is kept so busy with vanities that build up in a person overtime such that his thought life will be messed up. The devil knows that you are what you think (Proverbs 23:7), so he does all he can to make available things that will pollute and destroy the minds of man.
There are those who have refused to conform to the ways of the world. The world becomes hostile towards them, yet, because of their obedience to the word of God in Romans 12: 2 (KJV), “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”, they are empowered to have and walk with a renewed mind.
A renewed mind is possible if you deliberately and with the help of the Holy Spirit make it a duty to hide God’s word in your heart and let it influence and direct your thoughts after surrendering your life to Christ. As God’s word forms your dominant thoughts, renewal begins to take place gradually. David said, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” Psalm 119:11 (KJV). Make the decision to meditate and apply God’s word in your life and transformation will be clear to all.
Action Plan: Be deliberate about renewal by studying God’s word today. Draw out a study plan and prayerfully follow it. Meditate on the word and apply whatever the Lord shows you.
Bro. Onyema Aghanenu