Renewing the Mind

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,

that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

~ Romans 12:2

I have determined to watch for two particular outcomes from the onset of the “plague”; people will be forced to identify the things that matter most, and that givers and takers will be easily recognized. The takers are conformed to the world in that they have determined that what matters most is themselves. What matters most to them is their own will and what is good and perfect in the eyes of the world. 

Many years ago I decided that my primary mission as a pastor is to teach and lead people toward a Christian biblical worldview. My mission is based on the passage above. One cannot be conformed to the perfect will of God without a thorough renewing of the mind. Renewing of the mind in this sense is like getting a new pair of glasses and new hearing aids that filter out the things of the world and make clear the things of God. For many of us, this analogy holds more meaning when we think of our new glasses as “cheaters,” or reading glasses. Therefore, we are only seeing through Spirit-enhanced lenses occasionally. Then, there are those who must wear glasses whenever they want to see things clearly and are virtually blind without them. Finally, the Believer whose mind is completely renewed is like one who has surgery to repair faulty vision so that they always see clearly. In the same way, new hearing aids can be used occasionally or when one cannot hear without them. If a permanent, surgical solution takes place they are no longer needed.  

Persons with renewed-mind vision and hearing see Satan in the chaos and the Lord in the cosmos (created order). She hears lies and sees hidden daggers that are common to those whose being is given over to the desires of the flesh. Basically, the renewed-mind sees and hears the One who is Truth, Love, and Justice, The Bride hears the harmony of the Creator and His Creation and senses the rhythmic flow of Cosmic Order. The Christian who awaits the coming of the Bridegroom looks past the forest of idols and listens beyond the cacophony of demonic noise to hear the Lord’s call. 

The false gods who would have you serve your flesh and deny your Lord have many names: Adrammelech 2 Kin 17:31; Amon Jer 46:25; Anammelech 2 Kin 17:31; Asherah (Asherim) Judges 6:25,26,28,30; Ashima 2 Kin 17:30; Ashtoreth (Ashtaroth) 1 Kin 11:5,33; Baal 2 Kin 10:18-23,25-28; Baal-berith Judg 8:33, Judg 9:4; Baal-Peor Num 25:3,5; Baal-Zebub (Beelzebub in NT Greek) 2 Kin 1:2,3,6,16; Bel (possibly same as Baal) Isa 46:1 Jer 50:2, Jer 51:44; Castor/Pollux (Twin Brothers) Acts 28:11; Chemosh 1 Kin 11:7,33; Dagon 1 Sam 5:2-5,7; Diana / Artemis Acts 19:24,27-28,34-35; Gad (Fortune) Isa 65:11; Golden Calf Ex 32; Jupiter / Zeus Acts 14:12; Kalwan (Chiun) Amos 5:26; Meni (Destiny) Isa 65:11; Mercury / Hermes Acts 14:12; Merodach / Marduk Jer 50:2; Milcom (Malcham, Malcam) 1 Kin 11:5.33; Molech (Moloch) Lev 20:2,3,4,5; Nebo Isa 46:1; Nehushtan 2 Kin 18:4; Nergal 2 Kin 17:30; Nibhaz 2 Kin 17:31; Nisroch Queen Of Heaven (Known As Ishtar) Jer 7:18, Jer 44:17,18,19,25; Rimmon 2 Kin 5:18; Sikkuth Amos 5:26; Succoth Benoth 2 Kin 17:30; Tammuz Ezek 8:14; Tartuk 2 Kin 17:31. Each represents a divine authority that satisfies the flesh. Each perverts the flesh and celebrates carnality and the cults of death. The Greeks even had an idol “To The Unknown God” (Acts 17:23). It was as if they wanted a god to whom they could turn for permissions as yet unimaginable.

The Christian who only occasionally sees and hears with a renewed-mind goes to “church” and helps with programs. He sees and hears with clarity if the preaching is good and the music satisfies the ear. The power of conviction pours over him and then trickles to the floor only to be left behind. The Believer who chooses a renewed-mind over spiritual blindness and deafness is one who hungers to be a partaker in the divine nature but occasionally backs away from the Christian community and commitment due to fear. He fears over-commitment and loss of freedom. He fears chiding and mocking from worldly friends. He fears his unworthiness and inadequacy. He fears complete dependency upon the Lord and refuses to see himself with a renewed-mind. The Christian Believer whose mind is given over to Spirit-renewal has no inhibitions; no grief; no anxiety when it comes to serving her Master, the Bridegoom. Having considered these things, where do you find yourself today? Wha shall you prayer about now?