Romans 12:2 is rarely studied without Romans 12:1, but sometimes it's important to look at verse 2 alone. Usually, more time is spent on verse 1 and the need to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” Granted, verse 2 doesn’t happen until verse 1 has been obeyed. 

That said, we accomplish verse 1 by obeying verse 2. How is it that we set apart our daily lives for service to the Lord? 

For starters, we don’t work for the sake of this world. Our lives right now are temporary, so we should allow the Lord to help us think with an eternal focus. When our minds are “renewed,” we will be able to discern the will of God. We will be able to discern the Lord’s priorities for this life.  

We want our thoughts to be changed, renewed by his Spirit. Why? Because his thoughts are his will for our lives, and God’s will is “good and acceptable and perfect.”  

Inspired thoughts accomplish his will in our lives. When we accomplish the will of God, we are blessed now and eternally with his favor. God doesn’t want us to serve him for his sake. God wants us to accomplish things on earth that he can then reward us for eternally. God will bless our obedience to his will and direction in our life. 

When we sacrifice our lives to serve God, our thoughts are renewed. Our minds are less consumed by the things of this world and more often drawn to the eternal priorities that God can reward forever.  

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly so that your mind can be renewed and directed toward the will of God. His will is “good and acceptable and perfect.”