A Renewed Mind

'“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” - Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)

I believe Romans 12 can be summed up like this; We are transformed by grace for holy living. This is because when we are transformed we can’t help but live a life that reflects the glory and character of God. This world seeks to mold us to the mundane and lifeless patterns of those around us. To be conformed to a standard of life that seeks it’s own worth, vengeance, and subsequent moral values that present of false sense of satisfied living. To be conformed is to be shaped to an ethical standard of living. This world seeks to make us hold to it’s standards.

To be transformed is to be made completely new. This is why grace present in our lives completely changes the essence of our being. To be transformed by the renewing of our minds is not about adhering to a new code of good ethics or morals; but rather, it is to be completely made new at a soul level. This comes from constantly submitting ourselves under Christ and His word. We must lay down our own bias and be transformed into something new. Not to a standard of ethics, but a transformation to a new way of thinking.

“Lord, renew my mind by your word that I may reflect you better. My depravity is ever before me but your free grace is easily accessible by your love. Father, make me new. May my life bare the marks of Holy living. May I continually be transformed by grace for holy living. Amen.”