In our journey as believers, we often grapple with the question of why sinful desires persist even after accepting Christ as our Savior. The answer lies in understanding the process of mind renewal as outlined in Scripture. Romans 12:2 provides profound insight into this transformation, urging us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This biblical principle is essential to our overcoming sinful desires and aligning our lives with God’s will.
Romans 12:2:
“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.”
Recognizing Our Sinful Nature
Every individual, no matter their background, struggles with some form of sin. Whether it’s anger, deceit, theft, gluttony, or sexual immorality, these desires stem from our inherent sinful nature. It’s easy to become frustrated and angry when we feel that God hasn’t removed these desires from our lives. However, the key lies not in expecting God to magically take away our sinful desires but in actively surrendering them to Him.
The Process of Mind Renewal
When we accept Christ as our Savior, we embark on a transformative journey of renewing our minds. This process involves consciously letting go of the things that lead us into sin. It requires a daily commitment to replace sinful thoughts and behaviors with godly ones. It’s about taking personal responsibility and choosing to surrender our sinful desires, trusting that God’s strength will help us overcome them.
Romans 8:13:
“For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.”
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we have the ability to resist sinful desires and choose righteousness. This is a cooperative process where we actively participate in our sanctification by surrendering our will to God’s will.
Practical Steps to Renewing Your Mind
- Immerse Yourself in Scripture: Regular reading and meditation on God’s Word are crucial. The Bible is our guide to understanding God’s will and aligning our thoughts with His truth.
- Prayer and Surrender: Consistently pray for the Holy Spirit’s help in surrendering sinful desires. Ask God to reveal areas in our life that need change and trust Him to guide us through the process.
- Guard Your Thoughts:
Philippians 4:8:
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
By filling our minds with positive, godly thoughts, we guard our hearts and experience God’s peace.
- Community and Accountability: Surround yourself with fellow believers who can support and hold you accountable in your journey of mind renewal. Sharing struggles and victories with a trusted community can provide encouragement and strength.
The Result of Renewing Your Mind
Renewing our mind leads to a profound transformation that affects every aspect of our life—our speech, behavior, relationships, and overall worldview. When we fill our minds with Scripture and focus on godly thoughts, we are better equipped to navigate any situation with faith and trust in God.
Guarding our minds is crucial for maintaining peace. The Bible assures us that when we fill our minds with good things (God things), the God of peace will be with us. By taking the first step towards God and allowing His Word to renew our minds, we experience a transformed life filled with His peace and presence.
Bottom Line Y’all…
Renewing our mind is a daily commitment that requires effort and dedication. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, prayer, and godly thoughts, we can overcome sinful desires and align our lives with God’s will. Remember, it’s not about God taking away our sinful desires; it’s about us actively surrendering them and trusting in His strength to overcome. Embrace the journey of mind renewal and experience the transformative power of God’s Word in our life.
Mitch Fairchild 
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