Transformation Series Episode 2

Transformation Series Episode 2

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Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Hello, my walking friend! Can I just say yay you? You are on your way to transformation just by taking these 10 minute walks and, more importantly, by developing the discipline of spending quiet time with Jesus. I know that quiet time may feel uncomfortable at first, but keep at it! The rewards of a closer relationship with Jesus is worth it!

Today is the 2nd episode in the transformation series and our verse to meditate on is Romans 12:2:

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

If you go on Amazon or into a bookstore, you will find plenty of self-improvement books written to help you develop a positive mental attitude. Now, don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with a positive mental attitude. A positive mental attitude could be a good thing. But that is not what the apostle Paul is talking about in this verse.

When I was meditating on this portion of Romans 12:2, I noticed that it didn’t say, “You will be transformed when you renew your mind.” It says you will be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Who do you think is responsible for renewing your mind? For those who claim Jesus as their Savior, it would be the Holy Spirit. 

It’s not that we don’t have a responsibility for developing our minds. After all, your mind is a part of your body. It is a physical thing that has God-designed physical functions. Like any other part of our body, we have a responsibility to take care of it and use it to serve the Lord. But the world’s way would be to do it on your own power, using willpower. The world’s way would say that if it feels good you should do it. If it makes you happy, it must be okay. Sadly, human nature, including our minds, is bent toward self – self-seeking and self-pleasing. 

As followers of Jesus, our desire should be to be conformed to him, to be a reflection of him. And a good part of that transformation process begins in our minds. In 2 Corinthians 10:5 we are told to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Think about what you are thinking about. Does it line up with God’s word? If you said it out loud, would you want Jesus to hear it? Guess what? Whether you think it or say it, he does hear it! And that is why it is in our best interest to pray for, and rely on, the power of the Holy Spirit, not self-help books, to renew our minds. That process will help us have the mind of Christ, and then will be able to discern the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Take a little time now to meditate on Romans 12:2. Thank Jesus for the Holy Spirit who will renew your mind.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

The second half of our walk is an opportunity for reflection, meditation, and prayer. For many of us, myself included, this might feel challenging. But the spiritual rewards, and transformation, that come from developing this discipline is great and so is the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. So let’s start with some questions that will guide you in the process of reflection. 

Take a little time to consider what you can do to be more aware of your thoughts. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you take captive any thoughts that are not from God and replace them with his truths.

Being conformed to the patterns of this world means allowing yourself to be molded into the image of the current culture, rather than being molded into the image of Jesus. Are there any areas of your life where you feel you are conforming to society? If so, you are not alone. But remember, there is now no condemnation in Christ. Take some time to repent and ask the Holy Spirit for power to reject the world’s ways in favor of God’s will. 

Take some time to thank Jesus for the Holy Spirit who he promises will help you in the transformation process. Ask and it will be given, so ask for his power to surrender to the process. 

Now let’s listen again to today’s verse, Romans 12:2:

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Anything going on in your life? Remember he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to him now.

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Jesus,

Please remind us that our willpower is so limited, but your power is unlimited. Help us to surrender to the power of the Holy Spirit in us to renew our minds. Give us supernatural recall of your words so that we can use the power in your word to fight off the lies of the enemy. Help us to be aware of our thoughts and hold captive any that are not in line with your truths. Jesus, we desire real transformation. We desire to be a holy people equipped to bring your glory. Thank you for all you have done for us. Thank you for loving us so much that your will for us is to be transformed into your likeness. And thank you for the Holy Spirit who does the work of renewing our minds. Amen.

Well, you did it! Another 10 minutes of walking and another opportunity to build the spiritual discipline of prayer and quiet time with Jesus. I’m grateful for you and I’m grateful you took the time to walk with me today. Remember that there is power in the word of God. Now that you are back from your walk, you might want to write out some Bible verses to help you fight against the lies in the world. 

For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkWithJesusDevotional.com. You will find the URL for the show notes for this podcast in the episode description.

 I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend, as we continue our process of transformation. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.