And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior 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.
Romans 12:1-2 NLT
Paul urges the believers in Rome to give themselves to God as a sacrifice. Paul wasn’t talking about literally throwing ourselves in the fire to be burnt up as the priest would do with the people’s sacrifices in the days of Aaron. However, what he was telling them was extremely radical, as it required them to sacrifice their earthly lifestyles – the normal behavior and customs of the world – for one that was holy and pleasing to God. Paul emphasizes that this is truly the way to worship God. Because we are born with a sinful nature that leads to death, the sacrifice requires a complete transformation of our minds and hearts that only God can perform. His transforming power will change how we think and give us a growing understanding of living a life set apart for God. When I read these words of Paul, I can’t help but think of James telling his readers that they needed to draw close to God, wash their hands, and purify their hearts because their loyalty (their mind) was divided between God and the world.
So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
James 4:7-8 NLT
Without the transformation of our minds, we will easily and forever be more swayed by the world than by God. Consider what Jesus told Peter, who had his mind on the things of man rather than God, in Matthew 16:23 – “…you are being a hindrance to me.” It is vital to keep our minds on the things of God not only for our own spiritual walk but so that we do not become a hindrance to those around us; again, this is only possible through the transformation and continual renewal of our mind that enables us to “test and approve what is the will of God -“
WISDOM FROM THE JOURNEY
God’s will is good, pleasing, and perfect – but we will not begin to understand it until we stop thinking and living like the world.
Me-fromtheInsideout 🦋
REFLECTION ON THE JOURNEY
What is one practical step you can take today to renew your mind with God’s Word?
Me From the Inside Out 