Date: 9th & 10th August 2019 Topic: The Renewed Mind
Lesson: Romans 12:1-8
Verse of Focus: Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Romans 12:2
Dear Father, metamorphosis is the process some animals go through to become adults. It is a series of rapid, physical changes and when it is completed the adult looks nothing like the baby. An example of this includes the butterfly that metamorphoses from the egg to the larvae, to the pupa, to the adult. All of these stages are distinct and different in physical features. On the other hand, human beings develop slowly over many years. We grow and change from baby to adult, keeping the same physical structure. Simply put, an adult looks just like a baby, only bigger.
In Romans 12:2 the Apostle Paul addresses Christians; “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The word ‘transform’ means there must be a complete, thorough and dramatic change or different way in how the new Christian thinks, compared to when he/she was unsaved. A metamorphosis must take place so when the Christian speaks, his/her words would reflect a mind that has undergone spiritual surgery.
It is sad that instead of a complete transformation taking place in the minds of many Christians, it more resembles a change from a human baby to an adult. The thought processes continue along the same trend as those before becoming a Christian. In other words, a drastic change has occurred but then there is a relapse to the old way of thinking. I am guilty and fall into this second category. Sometimes my thoughts please You but on other occasions, I am defeated in this area.
One of my former pastors told her congregation that we were unable to stop a bird from flying over our heads but we can stop it from building a nest, there. She meant we are unable to prevent thoughts from coming to our minds but when they do, especially the ones that defeat us, we can stop them from getting roots.
Lord, my thoughts are not always pleasing to You but this lesson is a reminder that my mind was renewed from the time I started on this Christian journey. Lord, I need Your Holy Spirit to help me overcome this weakness.
Toxic patterns of thinking curtail my spiritual growth.