Romans 12:2

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."


How does one go about transforming their minds?  How are they renewed?  The key lies in the phrase "be transformed".

Be transformed is not an active, but a passive command.  Fully written out, it means "Allow yourself to be transformed"  rather than "transform yourself".  You are not the one who does any transforming, but then who or what does?

The mind is a mirror to that which it sees.  If all it sees is pornography, then the mind will be occupied with lust and sexual images.  If all it takes in is violence, the imagination will turn violent.  If a mind is occupied with video games, it will think of video games for the majority of its thoughts.  The thought life is a reflection upon that which it reflects.  It is transformed only by that which it sees, hears, tastes, touches, and smells.

And what if what the mind reflected was the one, true, and holy God who lives and breathes life into the dying, maker and sustainer of His creation, the way, the truth, and the life?  The mind will be transformed by him.  Its thoughts will be made alive and its imagination brimming with the will of God.  The mind which dwells on God and his Word is holy because God is holy.

Romans 12:2

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

    When someone begins to see through the eyes of Christ, it's like their whole world changes, but actually only their perspective changes. It's like getting glasses for the first time; suddenly everything looks a whole lot clearer than it once did!

    It is from this position that we can even begin to discern God's will just as it is written, "I know my own and my own know me." (John 10:14). But how do we begin to know God's will? Let's go to the text: "By testing you may discern what is the will of God." Prayer and Bible Study are important, yes, but you will never know where God is leading you unless you take a step out in faith, as it is written "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps." (Pro 16:9)

    Peter would have never walked on water had he not taken that leap of faith. Even as he sank, Jesus was there to catch him. Trust in God that he will catch you when you stray off the path. Trust he will bring you back again if you wander off. Step out in faith and God will move mountains for you. Or not. It really depends on what the will of God is.

Galatians 2:20

" I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."


It is absolutely absurd as a Christian to insist on living your own life.  It is as absurd as a freed man who continues to live in prisons or a blind man given sight who continues to keep his eyes closed.  So many people are deceived with the notion that they can be a Christian and still be themselves and live out their lives the way they want to.  They do not count the cost and are not able to finish what they have started.

Christianity isn't easy.  When you confess faith in Christ and are baptized, what you in fact are agreeing to is a complete death to self, that is, a signing over of your rights to live as you see fit.  You no longer have that luxury of doing as you please, but you willingly submit yourself to the authority of Christ.  He becomes that power which dictates how you live your life.

We no longer live, but Christ who lives eternally lives in us so that we may have everlasting life to the fullest.  Such grace is worth more than anything we could give but is given freely to all who believe. So be transformed in your resurrection with Christ!