Kingdom Mindset 105...Transformed

"Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing and complete."

Romans 12:2 (The Voice)

This month's post on Kingdom Mindset reminds us we have a choice. Our choice can either bring us into renewed freedom, or it can hold us back from living our best life. God always give us a free will to choose what we will think and believe.

Paul admonishes us to 'be transformed from the inside out by renewing our mind.' The dictionary defines transformed as..(1) To be changed in form, appearance, or structure; metamorphose (2) To change in condition, nature, or character; convert

(3) To undergo a change in form, appearance or character; become transformed

With social media, news outlets, billboards, tv and radio, along with the many opinions of others, it is easy to allow the world to mold us into its image. This is what Paul is warning us against as believers in today's world. It was a problem in Paul's day and even more so in today's world.

In very subtle ways, the world can conform us to its way of thinking, which is not the thinking that gives us true freedom to live our best life. "Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly". (John 10:10) As our thoughts line up with His thoughts, we find a life that is far beyond what the world considers life. I know many of you reading this are living in that renewed mindset, but I want to address this post to those who are not.

To renew our minds, we must keep His word constantly before us, daily spending time to read, study and just talking to Him. Personally, there are seasons in my life that I have neglected spending that time with Him. And the consequences of not renewing my mind have resulted in fear, doubt, self-condemnation and an overall sense of hopelessness. But the times I spend renewing my mind to His ways and focusing on Him brings me to the fullness, the life more abundantly, that Jesus promised me. Listen Yall...there is not only freedom to live life more abundantly, but you will be 'transformed' (changed) into understanding (discerning) and knowing that His ways really are what brings the most happiness and fulfillment in your life.

Something else happens when your mind is renewed by spending time with Him and reading His word. You find, over time, you become what I like to call 'presence focused'. You become aware of Him being with you constantly. He becomes your constant companion; the best partner you could ever have. You will never feel alone or wonder what to do in any given situation. Another plus.... over time, you will recognize when the world is trying to mold you into its image. Not only will you recognize it, but all your God-given senses (seeing, smelling, hearing, tasting, and touching) will know it. Does that sound unbelievable? It's not. That level of a renewed mind is what Paul calls 'being transformed.' And it's so much better than what the world has to offer! Selah (pause and calmly think about this).

Blessings!