DO NOT CONFORM TO THE WORLD; CONFORM TO THE WORD - PART 2

Apostle Paul placed a great emphasis on the pattern of this world and our system of thought in Christ. He means it when He says, "Don't copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Also Paul in Philippians 2:5 wrote, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." This shows that we need to function with the mind of Christ as Christians. Let's find out more.

Reference: Romans 12:2 New International Version (NIV) "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."

The pattern of this world is a cognitive process that is stored in our memory and established in our minds and brain by default, which can influence the way we behave and the experiences we encounter in the world according to its system. However in Christ, we must submit to the ministry of the Word in order to uproot the pattern's stronghold because before we were saved, much of the ways we lived our lives had to do with the wrong thought pattern and lifestyle. Most of us copied such lifestyle from the wrong company, unbelieving friends, and those in our society who had great negative and even ungodly view of positive influence on us.

Therefore, in every sphere of Christian life and activities, mind renewal matters because it determines the extent of our height, boundaries and dominion in Christ. And until a Christian learns to renews their mind, they will continue to experience limitations in one way or the other. This also means that after we've come to Christ, we must "unlearn" how to live a way-ward life and start learning how to live in Christ and please God.

Beloved, the very pattern of this world opposes the inauguration of our new birth in Christ and reign in righteousness. This is because the new creation is a recreated human spirit. And as we always remember, every human being has three basic elements: spirit, soul and body. Your spirit is the real 'you'. It is the very core of your being or the essential seat of your existence. So at new birth, your spirit is the only element that is created anew. Your mind and body are still the same, and this is the reason your mind must be renewed to align with the new creation realities and mentality. Therefore, undergoing a steady mind renewal through the Word will not only transform your life, it will also bring you into a more precise accordance with the will of God.

So let's look at the will of God according to our referenced Scripture: "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." Wow! So as Christians, we can only be able to test and approve the will of God if our minds are renewed and our lives transformed. This is what the Scripture is saying. Notice the word "Then". It says, "Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." In other words, consider His will possible to discern, when your mind is renewed.

Now watch this: Looking at the opening Scripture, apostle Paul listed all the three versions of God's will, namely, His good, pleasing and perfect will. They are three levels of God's will. When your mind is renewed and you're transformed, it means that the Word has altered or changed the way you think. Now you've become instrument in the hands of the Holy Spirit who can test and approve the will of the Father. You can now be informed by the Spirit, on how to handle the will of God and desire the best of it. This is another day's topic because by the inspiration of God's Spirit, I have a lot to share about it.

Moreover, those Christians whose minds are renewed, never make plans without considering and discerning the Lord's will. They are purposeful and careful in handling the scheme of activities in their lives by the Spirit. As a result, they avoid making hasty decisions, but discern the Lord's will and then do it. A well discerned will of God establishes a secure direction for your life. Interestingly we have the best version of God's will which is His perfect will. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Philippians 2:5; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 4:6-8; Ephesians 4:20-24; 1 Peter 1:13.

Exuberant Declaration: My mind is constantly renewed by the Word, which denotes that my understanding, acuity and thinking power correspond with the mind of Christ. I'm well equipped and informed by the Spirit of God, as a great instrument for good testing and worthy proof of God's will. By regular assimilation of the knowledge of the Word, my inward being and outward conduct thoroughly conform to the image of Christ. Thus, I walk in the glory and light of God, having been born into a newness of life. Hallelujah!