IS IT TIME FOR AN OVERHAUL OF YOUR MIND?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“Do not conform any longer 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.”
(Romans 12:2)

MEDITATION:
Have you ever started to do something, and thought to yourself,
    “I wonder if this would be good for me?”
When we are younger, we probably don’t have this kind of mature
thinking.

That raises the question,
    “When do we start developing maturity?”
Maturity doesn’t happen at the same stage of life for everyone. God
made us different individuals, so we can expect maturity to develop
at different times for each of us.

There’s a joke that when bad things happen, it’s usually after
a comment like,
    “Hey guys, watch this!”
It’s funny, but it also makes a good point. Impulsiveness can be
one of the greatest detriments to wise decisions.

Impulsive actions are driven by sudden and uncontrolled desires.
A thought enters our mind, and we respond without considering
the consequences. However, as we mature, we learn to consider
the importance of the decisions we make.

We may have serious thoughts about things like careers, marriage,
etc., but we can fail to think about the repercussions when we make
bad decisions on things we consider less important. For instance, we
may have a fast car and decide to ‘see how it handles at high speed’
but suddenly we are in a ditch, or worse.

We might decide to start drinking alcoholic beverages and we find
out quickly that our body defenses try to expel it. Our mind might
make a bad choice about what’s good for us, so our body tries to
protect us from our bad decision.

We may have this question,
    “What is good for me?”
The scriptures give us a three-part answer to this question.

First, we should stop following the patterns of the world. God’s
Word warns us that the things of this world are not good for us.
Worldly things cannot satisfy our inner desires, but they can
cause us to continue searching for satisfaction, which can result
in some bad decisions.

If some things of the world were to temporarily satisfy our desires,
what’s next? In other words, once we achieve what we thought we
were searching for, how long would it be before that ‘thing’ becomes
less exciting (or boring), and we are driven to find something new?
Would we start searching for something else to stir our excitement?

Would we be happier if we have a healthy goal that we continually
strive to achieve? Something that continues to pique our interest
and keep us motivated? Without a lifetime goal, does it mean we
will we continue to chase our natural worldly desires, which could
cause disappointment even if we achieve short term goals.

Secondly, we are told that we need to renew our mind. This means
we have a transformation of our thoughts, desires, goals, attitudes,
habits, etc. It’s like taking our minds to a maintenance shop for an
overhaul. Some things need repair because they are not working as
they should, and other things are missing which are critical for a
smooth-running mind.
    Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true,
    whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever
    is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable;
    if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think
    about such things.
    (Philippians 4:8)

Our minds may be trying to operate using the wrong kind of fuel.
We could be using low octane worldly thoughts instead of high 
octane Godly thoughts. As a result, our minds are not running 
at a high efficiency which produces satisfying results.

Lastly, we are told to determine God’s will for our lives. Why?
Because what He wants for us is good, pleasing and perfect.
His will is also open-ended, which means we may spend an
entire lifetime striving to reach a goal He has created for us.
It may be a goal that cannot be achieved in a lifetime, but it
keeps us motivated and focused on what is right and Godly.

The good news is, we are pursuing what God wants us to do
and it is beneficial for us (and possibly others). It doesn’t mean
that our efforts will be unproductive and frustrating. It means
we are living in obedience to God’s will for us, and we can
experience a new kind of peace, joy and security.

Continuing to strive for a goal can keep us active and focused
on what is good, as we anticipate the positive results of our efforts.
In addition, God may encourage us by giving us a glimpse of how
the things we are doing are having a positive impact on His earthly
ministry.

Serving the Lord doesn’t create boredom or leave us unsatisfied
and in search of something new and exciting. God has a plan for
the life of every Christian, and when we follow His plan, every
circumstance and situation is for our good and His glory.

ACTION:
Now that the scriptures have outlined what is good for us, what is
our response? Are we willing to stop following the patterns of the
world, have our mind renewed, determine God’s good and perfect
will for us, and start following His plan for our life?

We enjoy the approval of others, so we should naturally have a
desire for God’s approval as well. Believers will be judged on
their efforts to follow God’s will for their lives (it is a judgment
reserved for Christians which is different and separate from the
judgment of sinners).
    For we must all appear before the judgment seat
    of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is
    due us for the things done while in the body,
    whether good or bad.
    (2 Corinthians 5:10)

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, You have shown me that happiness and
peace can only be found by following Your will for my life.
I have tasted the things of the world and discovered they
don’t satisfy, but they leave me thirsting for more. Renew
my mind so I will focus on You and Your will for my life.
Your Word assures me that You have a good and perfect
plan for me. It is a plan that will brighten my life, and will
keep me striving toward a good and Godly goal. You can give
me a satisfaction that the world cannot offer. There are times
when I want to run ahead of Your plans, so Father teach me
to trust You completely, and know that in the midst of all the
events of this day, You are working out Your will for my life.”

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