Transformed Thinking

Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Another way this verse could be translated is “do not be molded by the spirit of the age but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”. A good word for what the apostle Paul was referring to as the spirit of the age would be “zeitgeist” which is defined by the Oxford Reference dictionary as “the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time”. The spirit of the age or zeitgeist is always in opposition to the Spirit of God. Often what the world calls progressive, God calls sinful. But in a changing world, how do we discern the type of progress that is pleasing to the Lord? It comes from renewed thinking. As we spend time in His presence and read the bible, God will teach us how to think. He will align our thoughts with His and renew our minds and transformation will be the result. That word transformed comes from the Greek word “metamorphoó” which is where we get our English word metamorphosis from. So, if we want to see metamorphosis or a transformation in some area of our lives, it starts with changing the way we think. Submitting to God and allowing His word to mold our thinking is life changing.

God’s word is relevant to every human being in every age and deals with issues ranging from anxiety and depression, to finances, relationships and work and even the future of the planet. For example if you’re someone that tends to bear a grudge, the bible is clear on choosing forgiveness instead; if you tend to be a worrier, instead choose to trust; if you tend to be depressed or miserable, instead choose gratitude. If you struggle with finances, practice generosity. If you’re stuck in destructive behaviour ask God what area of negative thinking lies at its root and He will help you to replace those negative thoughts with truth. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, so once you start to think like Him, you will experience peace, joy, hope, courage and faith.

Lord Jesus, thank You that You want to transform our lives by transforming our thinking. Help us today to align our thoughts with Yours. Amen