Renewing Your Mind
As Christians, we are disciples of Christ who are committed to learning His truth and following His directions. We are to become Christ-like in our character by renewing our mind with the truth of God’s Word.
Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not conform any longer 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.”
Renewing your mind is more than just acquiring Bible knowledge. There are four steps involved in the process of renewing your mind: Receptivity, Comprehension, Conviction and Transformation.
Step 1: Receptivity
Receptivity requires being open-minded about God’s truth and its implications for you. It means asking yourself the question, “Am I willing to let God’s truth change me and my life?”
God does not reveal His truth to us for our amusement but for our transformation. If God sees that you are not really willing to obey Him, then there’s no point in revealing more truth to you. God requires a humble and submissive attitude.
Step 2: Comprehension
Comprehension indicates that you understand what a truth means and how it relates to your life. Part of the process of comprehending truth involves asking yourself one or more of these questions: “What new truth have I become aware of through reading my Bible, going to church, and/or listening to other Christians?” “What does this truth mean in relation to what I think, say and do?” “What are the consequences of not applying this truth to my life?”
As we comprehend truth, we are able to apply it to our lives in meaningful and positive ways.
Step 3: Conviction
When you have conviction, you believe that a particular truth is important to your well-being. You’ve asked yourself the question, “Why am I convinced that it is important to apply this revealed truth to my life?” and have come up with an answer that will help you go to the next step of transformation.
Step 4 : Transformation
Step four is the place in the process where you finally take action by applying a particular truth to your life and rejecting any corresponding lies of Satan. This is the place where real renewal takes place. Helpful questions at this stage of the process are, “What steps will I take to apply this truth to my life? “Am I allowing Satan to use fear or difficulties to prevent me from following through with these steps of application?” “Am I allowing other concerns or my desire for wealth and pleasure to distract me from following through with these steps of application?”
James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
It’s so easy to settle for head knowledge. But if you don’t work that knowledge into your heart and being then it won’t change you. God says we are transformed by the renewing of our mind. The renewal requires our investment in the process – that’s how we will change.