The Christian life is a lifelong process of transformation and change from who we were before we met Jesus to becoming more like Jesus. That process requires our active participation and a desire on our part to become like Him.

Here is how Paul describes the process in Romans 12:1-2. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - that is your true and proper worship. 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."

We often forget that we still need a lot of transformation in our lives. No matter how long we have known Jesus, there is more that He wants to do in our lives. In fact, this very process of transformation is called our true and proper worship by Paul. We come and worship together weekly. But we live lives of worship as we offer our bodies and minds to Jesus on a daily basis and work with Him to bring them into conformity with His character. As we renew our lives through His Spirit we are actively worshiping Him.

That renewal starts in our minds. As Paul writes, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Everything in the Christian life flows from a commitment to see renewal in our minds because how we think and what we think directly impacts our words, behaviors and practices.

Here is Paul's motto. Don't conform but be renewed. Here is a principle to consider. The patterns of our world are generally not Godly patterns. The world says, purchase more stuff and you will be happy. God says, follow me and you will be happy. The world says, keep what you have so you always have enough. God says, be willing to give it away and trust me. The world says, organize your life around yourself while God says, organize your life around me. The world says, "I have a right to have whatever attitude I want," while God says your attitude should be like mine. In every way, the patterns of the world are challenged and changed by Jesus. It is the change from a sinful and selfish mind to a renewed and Jesus-centered mind.

So how do we see that continual renewal of our minds? First, we need to look in the mirror on a regular basis. That mirror is Scripture because it is in Scripture that we see what God wants for our lives and are confronted by our own sinfulness. Hebrews 4:12-13 says this about the experience of reading Scripture. "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

If you ever wonder why you do not see more renewal in your life, remember that there is a direct correlation between renewal and God's Word. His Word is the mirror that reflects His character to me and which shows me where I need to change. Personally, I like to keep a journal to record what I see and reflect on what I read. 

One of the errors that many Christ-followers make is to equate Biblical knowledge with life transformation. They are not the same. I can know all kinds of biblical truths and live an untransformed life. The key to all Scripture study is to ask, "How does it apply to me," and "Where does God want me to change?" Knowledge of Scripture is not the goal of Scripture study: Life change is!

There is a second factor that is critical in renewal, and it is what we allow into our minds. Listen to these very practical words from Paul. "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). What we put into our minds profoundly impacts our thinking, renewal or lack of renewal. People of renewal are discerning people of what they allow into their minds, what they feed their minds on because they understand that the patterns of this world don't equal the teaching of Jesus.

The renewing of our minds requires intentionality on our part. Renewal does not happen by accident or osmosis. It is, as Paul says, our spiritual act of worship. It is something we intentionally do and, with the Spirit's help, see ongoing growth and change in our lives. 

So if we want more renewal and less of the patterns of the world in our lives, we need to ask three questions. First, am I regularly looking into the mirror of God's word? Second, am I discerning and wise with what I fill my mind with? Third, am I focused on regular life change?

Our goal is more transformation and less of our old sinful self that reflects the patterns of this world.

Father. Give me the heart to see you transform my life and give me a desire to make that transformation a priority. I am tired of this world's old patterns, and I want to look more like you. Amen.

The Question for Today: What changes do I need to make in my life to see more transformation?