"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 12:2 NKJV
This process is lifelong and will not be completed until we're with Jesus. It is a process of examining our values and making the decision to change them and live for Jesus. This doesn't come easy, as I've just said. It takes effort, discipline and a determination to knock ourselves into shape so that we can walk in the Spirit. We have to learn to yield our whole self to God. Let's take a look at Ephesians 4:22-24 to examine this further.
"22 that you put off concerning your former conduct, the old man (self) which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man (self) which was created according to God in true righteousness and holiness.'
Therefore, we're dealing with the old self and the new self. Paul compares the Christian life to stripping off the dirty clothes of a sinful past and putting on the snowy white robes of Christ's righteousness. So, the old self says, 'I want my will to be done, I want, I want.' The new self says, 'Not my will be done, but Yours Lord.' Do you see the difference? This is how we are changed or made new, in the attitude of our minds. We are putting God first.
It is completely discarding our former nature which has been corrupted and is being continually renewed in the spirit of your mind by having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude. This renewed nature is being created in God's image - God-like, living in such a way that expresses to God your gratitude to Him for your salvation and everything else that He does for each one of us, daily.
God will not do this for us, but as we show Him that we mean business, He will help us every step of the way. Basically, it's learning to think how God thinks and this can take a life time. But let's not forget that He has given us a promise in His Word:
'being confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good work in you, will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.' Philippians 1:6
You're not there yet; there's a lot of work to be done; but as you look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, He will give you the ability to grow more like Him, each day.
If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:
Lord Jesus, I have sinned
I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.
In Jesus' Name. Amen'
Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk
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