When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we bring all the baggage from our past (unhealed wounds, unresolved issues, unmet needs) and our old mindset into our salvation. Your old mindset limits what God wants to do in your life. God works to replace your belief system with His belief system because He wants to bless you with greater, not just material things, but greater joy, peace, hope, and faith. This requires a renewed mind.
Romans 12:2 says, “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.” The Apostle Paul cautions us not to conform to the world. What may be popular or commonly accepted by the world’s standards is contrary to God’s word and His will for our lives. One popular worldly belief is that “God helps those who help themselves.” This cannot be found anywhere in the Bible. Instead, Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us to, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Although we live in the world, we are not to live according to the world’s standards. When you try to fit in with the world, instead of making an impact on your environment; your environment shapes you according to its norms. As the saying goes, “association breeds assimilation.” We become like those we surround ourselves with. Be mindful of the company you keep.
The word conform in Romans 12:2 implies confinement or restriction. Living according to the world’s standards holds us captive to our fleshy desires and appetites. It leaves you chasing after an ever elusive “something” because of the feeling that “something” in your life is missing. Here is the problem; you are unable to identify what that “something” is; and you keep trying to find a fix. Maybe if I find a new job, get another degree, or relocate, things will be better. Even when you get these things, you are still not satisfied. The world paints an unrealistic picture of life that leaves you feeling like “something” is missing. Conforming to the world’s standards leaves you with a limited perception of yourself, a limited perception of God, and therefore, you live a very limited life.
The word transform implies a process. It is a process of inward change effected by the Holy Spirit that is liberating and limitless. A spiritual transformation ushers you into the realm of the limitless possibilities of God. It gives you a new and ever-evolving self-perception. As you mature and grow in Christ, and He grows in you, you discover your true identity and who God created you to be.
Your spiritual transformation takes place from the inside out. We work on the external trying to make the inside FEEL better. The Holy Spirit works from the inside out to MAKE us better. He has to work from the inside out because the real battle takes place within our minds. A renewed mind begins to think and act like God; love your enemies, humble yourself, wait on God, put others before yourself.
With a renewed mind your thinking changes. When your thinking changes your life changes for the better. You stop talking yourself out of opportunities God sends your way. You stop telling God what you are not capable of doing. God never calls you to do anything He has not already equipped and empowered you to do. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit empowers you to do what you could never do on your own. It is the Holy Spirit who helps believers live a victorious life.
The catalyst for authentic change is embedded in Romans 12:2 which says, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The mind is renewed through the power of God’s word. Ephesians 6:17 calls it “the Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Get into the habit of memorizing scripture to give the Holy Spirit something to bring to your remembrance in time of need. Read, study, and meditate on God’s word daily so that the content of God’s word impacts your choices and behavior, and thereby empowers you to thrive and walk in victory.
Rev. Cynthia Jackson, Rhema Inspirations
Rev. Cynthia Jackson is the administrator of the Rhema4U Blog and Innovations Ministries Director. Rev. Jackson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was licensed and ordained under the tutelage of Bishop David G. Evans. She is an associate minister at Bethany Baptist Church located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Rev. Jackson founded Innovations Ministries in 2001. Innovations Ministries provides dynamic and innovative programs and services for individuals and families dealing with various health-related issues. She is a gifted teacher, preacher, conference speaker and writer. God has anointed Rev. Jackson to be a spiritual midwife with a passion to empower others to birth God's vision for their lives. Rev. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University, a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University and a Master of Science Degree in Christian Counseling from Cairn University.
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