Knowing the will of God sometimes seems difficult or complicated for we have many obstacles to hearing God’s voice and knowing His will. Our past experiences, the cultural pressures, and the voice of the enemy all try to take supremacy in our lives. However, God tells us that when we seek Him with all our heart, we will find Him (See Jeremiah 29:13). Romans 12:1-2 gives us insight into knowing God’s will.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2
Definition of Transform (According to Strong’s dictionary): in Greek: metamorphoo: change into another form, to transform, to transfigure.
The above passage tells us that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Transformation is about the kind of change that brings a new form and a new order in our lives. It is about a deep and long-lasting change. The bible tells us that we are grafted into the vine (See Romans 11:17). When a branch is grafted, it takes on the identity of the new vine. The grafted fruit has a resemblance of the old fruit, but its characteristics have changed. It tastes different because it is rooted, grounded, and fed by a different source.
Similarly, when we go through the process of transformation, we will begin to change, and we will begin to think, feel, act, and talk differently. The above passage tells us that our transformation begins by the renewing of our minds. We cannot live a successful and peaceful Christian life without the renewal of our minds. For years, we have lived based on the old nature and its framework of life. When a situation arises, our carnal nature raises its ugly head and tries to tell us that this looks like something that happened in the past. Then the enemy tempts us to self-preserve through fear or pride. We have built mechanisms and habits on how to do that. Those negative thought patterns impact our emotions, which in turn make us feel that this is real. However, the scriptures have a prescription for our minds.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9
Our thoughts are the gateway to anxiety. Instead of giving in to anguish and anxiety, Apostle Paul tells us that we are to give thanks, rejoice, and pray for our needs. We also need to focus on truth and think on thoughts that are pure and praiseworthy. This may sound easy, but it is not if that is not your natural disposition.
Those who see the glass half-empty have a tendency to doubt, be suspicious, and focus on what is not working. Just like an overweight person who has to refrain from unhealthy food, a believer has to diligently refrain from negative thoughts that come to attack the mind. Instead, we need to follow Apostle Paul’s instructions and thank the Lord for His faithfulness. We need to pray against fear and anxiety. and then focus on God’s promises and on God’s truth. This has to be done on a regular basis allowing our minds to change and to be transformed.
Interestingly, scientists tell us that through neuroplasticity and neurogenesis the brain can change, and it can also develop new cells. According to Dr. Caroline Leaf, the change happens when there is focused and directed thoughts which produce good branches in the brain. We can learn to think differently and develop memory about something new.
The renewing of our minds is a process we should all be engaged in and make it our lifestyle. When our thoughts change, we begin to become transformed. Our old nature becomes weaker because we are allowing more and more for the truth of God and the spirit of God to take supremacy in our lives. We gain a greater level of peace in the midst of the turmoil in the world. This process also allows us to hear God above and beyond fears, anxiety, pride, arguments, and the noise around us.
The renewal of our minds, clears the clutter, and it allow us to hear God’s voice more clearly. This in turn helps us to discover God’s will because we trust Him. Praise God that we have the ability to know the good and the acceptable will of God for our lives. Are you willing to make it your lifestyle to follow God’s prescription in the above passages and allow your mind to be transformed by the power of God’s word and His spirit!?