"Be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
Romans 12:2
Ben Haden had a television program entitled, "Changed Lives." He was formerly a newspaper reporter whose life was changed by the grace of God. He became a preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His life had been changed, and he knew that God could change the lives of others.
When God changes us, He changes our hearts. In biblical language, the heart is the mind, will and emotions. God transforms us by renewing our minds. It's not a technique nor a formula. It's not positive thinking nor learning new academic propositions. It's the grace of God at work in our hearts.
The renewing of our minds does not end with conversion. It only begins there. A believer may be carnally-minded or spiritually-minded. The choice is ours. The believer with a carnal mind has not developed in faith and love. He has not grown in the grace and knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18). It comes through Bible study, prayer, experience and fellowship with other Christians. It's a journey of faith, trusting God more and more.
Have you heard the story about the elephant at the circus? He was often chained by the leg to a metal pole until the performance. The trainer said, "We've done that since the elephant was a few months old. That elephant doesn't know that it has the power to pull the pole out of the ground. It's all in the mind." We may be bound to situations in life that rob us of peace and joy. When our minds are transformed, our lives are changed. We can be free from all of our besetting thoughts through Christ.
God, change our lives for Your glory through Jesus.
