MIND ORIENTATION - PART 3

THURSDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2024

Reference: Romans 12:2 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

The next segment to be expounded by my peculiar humble self - in line with the above versified reference is:

"But be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

The two main thoughts that come to mind in the above versified segmentation, namely - " renewing and transformed" - are inextricably linked in operational significance, indicating that mind orientation precedes transformation. So the "latter" is an outcome that is strongly favoured by the renewing ability embedded in the Word of truth, which is so fervent and effects-oriented. The latter is directed towards improved spiritual disposition that leads to outward change in spiritual and physical life while the former is directed towards presenting a mental reasoning, and its inner operations pure and blameless before God.

Our conformity to the Word is mission-driven, and it is expressive of the importance of sharpened and quickened transformation in our Christian character, while possibly keeping one's original attention dependent or focused on the Word. To transform is to experience an improved notable change in form, image and outlook, and in this case, it starts with the mind, where the essential reshaping or reconstruction of thought pattern is continually actualised before it becomes irrefragable and apparent in one's Christian character.

Well, you see, you can't transform if your spirit and soul realm are not conducive to receiving the divine administration from the ministry of the Word. What do I mean by this truth? To acquire a godly mind orientation that empowers you to function in the fear of God, it begins with activated experiences of a reverential awe emanating from abiding in the Word and participating immensely in the fellowship of God's presence on a frequent basis.

This conditioning possibility of your focus on the Word is likened to what the "Voice" version of Ephesians 4:23 translates as "taking a fresh breath." To specify this typified indication in an instantiation, the versified statement literally reads:

"...Take a fresh breath and let God renew your attitude and spirit. Then you are ready to put on your new self, modelled after the very likeness of God: truthful, righteous, and holy" (Ephesians 4:23-24 VOICE).

In addition, the only means by which God can renew the attitudinal paradigm of your mental space and spirit is through the theoretical assimilation and empirical application of the knowledge of His Word. So a Christian life should be a life of constant transformation, due to a mind renewal observed on a regular basis because an unrenewed mind can express all filthiness of immoral thought pattern that can spread its effects to the inward man, meaning that when the mind and conscience are easily defiled, it will reflect as living a carnal and natural lifestyle.

To that effect, James 1:21 reads, "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls" (NKJV). In this versified statement, an ideal censure for all filthiness and wicked ways is evident. However, the latter part informs that the implanted word exerts the potency for moral, physical and spiritual transformation, and in this particular biblical text, it is majored on saving the mental characters of your soul, such as the mind, will and emotion. Stay tuned for part 4. Shalom!

Scripture Reading  - 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; 1 Peter 1:22.

Exuberant Declaration:

I often remain true to the intensely practical purpose of my salvation in Christ Jesus, as I conspicuously experience a far-reaching divine transformation that comes from the act of renewing the attitude of my mind in a persistent manner. Glory to God!