Winning the Battle in Your Mind 

Paul writes that we are not to be conformed to this world, but to …be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes]…(Romans 12:2 AMP). 

In other words, we are not to think or behave as worldly people do. Instead, we are to be transformed by renewing our minds according to God’s Word so we may prove what God’s will is and experience the good plan and purpose He has for each one of us.

Satan fights relentlessly against the good plan God has for us, and he does it through lies, deceptions and various strategies. He attempts to keep us distracted through sending trouble and difficulties our way. However, studying the Word of God is how we learn right from wrong. The Holy Spirit, Who lives in us and is our Helper in life, sows the Word into our hearts. He teaches us the truth and protects us from the lies of the enemy. 

Renewing our minds with God’s Word is one of the most important things we can do. We must learn to think in an entirely new way. We might have had years of practice thinking in ways that are contrary to what God says, so learning to think in agreement with God’s Word will take time, education and effort. 

The word transformed as used in Romans 12:2 means “to be changed completely according to a new inner reality.” God does this work in us. We become a new creation (see 2 Corinthians 5:17), and as we learn to think and behave according to that new reality, our entire life changes. This happens gradually and depends on our gaining knowledge of God’s Word, His will and His ways. It also depends on our willingness to submit our thinking and actions to God.

If we allow ourselves to be conformed to the world, we will think as they tell us to think and do what they tell us to do. But thankfully, as children of God, we have another option—to be transformed into the image of Christ and live the wonderful life He has provided for us through His death and resurrection.

Pray: Father, thank You for the power of Your Word to change me from the inside out. Please continue to change my thoughts and attitudes and help me to see things from Your perspective. I ask for a fresh desire to read, study and apply Your Word to every single area of my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Adapted from the book Your Battles Belong to the Lord by Joyce Meyer. Copyright 2019 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.