"What Must I Do to Please God?" – Day 11 of 14: Be Transformed by the Renewal of Your Mind

Introduction

On this eleventh day of our two-week series on “What Must I Do to Please God?”, we focus on another essential instruction for all believers: do not be conformed to the world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. Romans 12:2 calls us to a mindset that is distinct from worldly values and perspectives. Instead of being shaped by society’s standards, God invites us to be transformed through a renewed mind—one that aligns with His will. Transformation is an ongoing process, calling for consistent engagement with God’s Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

This daily renewal involves examining our thoughts, motives, and beliefs, letting God reshape them according to His truth. As we pursue this renewal, we experience growth, clarity, and alignment with God’s purpose. Transformation by renewing our minds is crucial in living a life that pleases God, for it leads us away from conformity to the world and toward a life led by the Spirit.

Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!

Romans 12:2 (AMP): "And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]."

Context of Romans 12:2

In Romans 12:2, Paul instructs the church in Rome to resist the influence of the world’s values and patterns. Conformity to the world leads to a superficial lifestyle focused on temporary values, but transformation through mind renewal aligns believers with God’s eternal truth. Paul’s teaching emphasizes that a renewed mind helps us discern God’s will—knowing what is “good, acceptable, and perfect” in His sight. This transformation enables us to grow spiritually, as we replace worldly thinking with godly principles.

Paul’s words challenge us to view transformation as an ongoing process. It’s not just about avoiding worldly actions but allowing God’s truth to reshape how we think and approach life. Through this renewal, we gain insight into God’s purpose, growing into the people He created us to be.

Be Transformed by the Renewal of Your Mind

Key Phrase: "Do not be conformed… but be transformed."

Pleasing God involves a commitment to transformation through mind renewal, rejecting conformity to the world’s values. To renew our minds means to focus on God’s truth and ethical standards, allowing His wisdom to shape our beliefs, attitudes, decisions, and of course, our actions. Transformation happens progressively, as we grow in our understanding of God’s Word and align our thoughts with His principles. This renewal leads to a change in how we see ourselves, others, and our purpose in the world.

Transformation through mind renewal means replacing worldly desires with godly ones. It involves focusing on what is pleasing to God, allowing His truth to influence every area of our lives. This process is vital for spiritual growth, as it equips us to live in alignment with God’s purpose.

Philippians 4:8 (AMP): "Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]."

This scripture encourages believers to focus on godly values, guiding our thoughts and actions toward what is pleasing to God.

Relevance to Today’s Believers: For Christians today, resisting conformity to the world and renewing our minds are essential to living a life that pleases God. In a culture that often promotes values contrary to God’s truth, believers are called to stand out by letting their thoughts and actions reflect godly principles. Renewing the mind involves a commitment to learning and applying God’s Word, allowing His truth to shape our perspective.

By focusing on what is true, honorable, and aligned with God’s Word, we build a mindset that resists worldly influence. This renewal is an ongoing journey, as we continually grow in understanding and apply God’s truth to every area of our lives. Pleasing God requires this transformation, for it enables us to live in a way that reflects His character and purpose.

The Whole of What It Means to Please God

While today’s focus is on resisting conformity and renewing our minds, this principle connects to the larger journey of what it means to please God. In previous days, we explored choosing to serve God, being filled with the Spirit, and living as Christ’s ambassadors. Renewing our minds supports each of these steps by providing a foundation of godly thinking. To please God, we must allow His truth to continually shape and renew our minds, guiding us in the direction He has set for our lives. Note that it is a process, don't become frustrated with failures along the way. God’s grace is on you to cover and forgive you as long as you are truly contrite. In Psalms 51:17 (AMP) our Lord says, “...A broken and contrite heart [broken with sorrow for sin, thoroughly?penitent], such, O God, You will not despise.”

Ephesians 4:22-24 (AMP): "…that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [God-like] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation]."

This scripture reinforces the need for a continual renewal, guiding us to put off old ways and live in alignment with God’s holiness and truth.

Summary

On this eleventh day of our series, we explored the importance of “not conforming to the world but being transformed by the renewal of your mind”. Romans 12:2 calls believers to resist worldly influence and embrace a life shaped by God’s truth. Transformation through mind renewal is essential to living a life that pleases God, as it helps us discern His will and grow in spiritual maturity.

Renewing the mind is an ongoing process, one that involves focusing on godly values, rejecting worldly desires, and allowing God’s truth to shape our thoughts. As we continue in this series, let today’s focus on transformation encourage you to commit to a daily renewal, inviting God to lead you in thought, word, and action.

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