5 Ways to Renew Your Mind and Change Your Life
One of my favorite ways to renew my mind is to hear other people share their stories. Occasionally, after the sermon, our church lets individuals share what God has been doing in his/her life.
Bruce wanted to lose weight but he didn’t think he could. But he knew he needed to to be healthier, so he joined a Daniel Plan group at church. He believed he needed God’s help and community. He changed his eating habits and met with his small group for prayer and support. To his surprise, he lost over 100 pounds.
I celebrated with Bruce when he stood and showed with his hands how wide his pants used to be.
Before Bruce experienced weight loss, he renewed his mind and stopped believing the lie: I can’t lose the weight; it’s impossible.
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, acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
In Romans 12:2, we’re told to “renew our minds” so we can be “transformed.” Neuroscience research shows what we pay attention to creates new neural connections in our brains. Our thoughts affect how we see ourselves and others — how we treat ourselves, and others. So what we think is crucial.
Renewing our minds is one way we are changed to be more like Christ in our character and conduct.
When we renew our minds, we are “transformed,” which in Greek is the verb metamorphoō. This verb stresses both an inward and an outward change. It’s not only about changing a behavior, but also about a change of heart.
Instead of focusing first on a certain behavior I want to change, I must first address the heart issue behind the behavior.
I saw this in Bruce and how his changed thoughts about weight-loss led to a change in his behavior which led to his weight loss.
Real transformation begins from the inside-out, beginning with what I believe and think. Renewing our minds for transformation is a process.
Anyone who has gone through the process of losing weight, overcoming an addiction or an eating disorder, or any other struggle, knows it usually doesn’t happen overnight. I
t’s a process, and it requires work on our part, but we don’t do it alone. We rely on the Spirit to change us.
So we don’t put pressure on ourselves to change right away or to do it perfectly. We won’t and that’s okay. We persevere and believe transformation will happen.
Five Practical Ways to Renew Your Mind
1. Practice paying attention to the thoughts going through your mind. The more you do, the easier it will be to notice and to change your thoughts from what is false and negative, to what is true and positive.
2. Practice paying attention to the messages you listen to. GIGO = Garbage In, Garbage Out. What messages are you exposing your mind, eyes, and ears to? Are the lyrics of the music you listen to consistent with what is “true, good, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy” (see Phil. 4:8)?
3. Have a “go to” truth — such as “God will strengthen me” — or perhaps a Bible verse to help you focus on Christ and renew your mind when you notice you’re embracing a lie.
For example, when I begin to condemn myself for my failures, I remind myself that God doesn’t condemn me (Rom. 8:1).
Or when I’m tempted to covet, I remind myself that God gives me good things (James 1:17), and if God hasn’t given “X” to me, it may not be the right time, or it isn’t what is good for me now.
4. Join a group that can help you in your transformation process. A small group is great for accountability and support.
5. Pray and ask God to show you what lies you believe then show you how to replace them with truth. Ask God to give you a desire for Him and for truth over lies.
Soul Stops Reflections:
What helps you to renew your mind? Or which tip spoke to you?
What changes have you experienced when you’ve renewed your mind?
J
Leave a Reply 29 comments