Transformed Thinking

The phrase from scripture “Let this mind be in you…” has caught my attention and challenged me to understand it more for my life.

Romans 12:2, NIV: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

So often I think we expect our lives to be dramatically changed when we become Christians, believers. Yes, there is some change. Our attitudes most likely change. Our behavior may/should also change. Hopefully our thinking has changed. If our thinking hasn’t changed from what we’d thought before, then we haven’t transformed our minds to our new identity of being IN Christ, and therein is the rub.

How do we change our thinking then? We don’t want to keep thinking the way the world does, and most likely the way we’ve thought. When we are transformed that means things have changed. We’ve changed. Our thinking changed, or should have, and it isn’t just by positive thinking. It’s by and through the power of the Word. It is the Word that will change and transform our thinking.

Wy is that important for you as a believer? If you continue thinking the way you’ve thought before coming to Jesus, you’re still carrying worldly-thinking, ideas, and practices with you trying to use them in your new identity. You’re a new YOU. Your thinking must change from the inside out.

How do you do that? By reading and meditating on the Word. By understanding you’re a new creation. You’re not the old you. You’re a brand-new person in Jesus Christ. So, therefore, your thinking must become different. Paul says to “let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5).  You can change your mindset and thinking by walking in the identity that Christ has given you as His child, dearly loved, set free, no longer in bondage but walking in the freedom, love, grace, joy, and peace He’s given you. The more you meditate in the Word about the new you, the more you’ll walk transformed from your former self and thoughts. You’ll be renewed in who you really are, a child of the King, an ambassador of His love to the world.