renew your mind

"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." (Romans 12:2 NLT)

The way the NLT translates this verse has been really helpful for me. Usually I've seen this verse as a way of chastising myself into making sure I don't think bad thoughts. So renewing my mind is a prod into only thinking "godly thoughts."

But I'm not so sure that's all it's saying. Sure, filling my mind with good things is an honorable pursuit, but the reality is that this world is filled with brokenness and I can't help but think about that brokenness.

The NLT ("changing the way you think") helps me to not just "think on good things", but to completely reframe how I interpret this world - to see this world through the lense of the reign of God - His kingdom.

Three questions have been helpful for me over the last week:

1. What is it that I find myself thinking about?

2. In what way can I change the way I think about this?

3. In what way is this transforming me?


"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12:2 NLT)