Transformed By GodSýnishorn

DAY 2: Renewing of the mind

There are so many ways in which God can work in our lives to transform us, but in Romans 12:2 we are told that God’s transformation takes place through the renewing of our mind. This anakainosis, or gradual process of renewal, involves us being willing to literally change our minds and to begin to think more like God! To begin to focus on the bigger picture.

This isn’t something that we humans find that easy. We are remarkably self-centred. Ever since the early Greeks looked up to the skies and decided that the earth was the centre of the universe, we have tended to think that the world revolves around us. How often do we wail ‘what have I done to deserve this’, as if how we behave somehow dictates the way the world works?

When I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer a few years ago, one of my biggest worries was that my children would think that somehow God had done this to me and that it would impact their faith. I knew that God didn’t work like this, but I also knew that many young Christians really struggle with the idea that you can come to Christ and still face adversity.

Jesus, of course, was incredibly up-front about this fact, telling his disciples ‘in this world you will have trouble’ (John 16:33 NIV). He never promised us a rose garden! In fact, if you consider Christ’s life and ministry, it is hard to get away from the idea of suffering and, as Jesus himself told us, part of the process of transformation is picking up our own cross, whatever that may be.

But Jesus also said, ‘Take heart! I have overcome the world.’ God is so much greater than any challenge we may face in this life. So being transformed by God involves shifting our perspective, focusing less on our own worldly concerns and instead fixing our attention on his power, majesty and promise in Christ.

This, of course, is easier said than done. You have to make a deliberate choice to focus on the bigger picture. We are to make the conscious choice to put on ‘a garment of praise, instead of a spirit of despair’ (Isa. 61:3 NIV). As I have found in my own life, when we look beyond our circumstances, however challenging, when we lift our eyes and praise him, God can do something truly transformative.

Reflection: The Psalmists provide us with a wonderful model for praise. Even when David was at his most fearful, he lifted up his voice and praised the Lord. How can you build praise into your daily life?