January 2, “new and renewed”
By the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2
New and renewed! The Bible instructs, “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This verse represents a clear and decisive picture of the imperative: be transformed. This represents the activity of the truly regenerated life.
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, those who have trusted in Jesus are described as “a new creation.” And, in this new creation we are called to act. We are called to live it out. And why? The Christian lives as a new creation in a world that is not yet made new. So, to make Christ known, we must actively live as a new creation. This is why as a new creation we are called to continually live renewed.
When one reads the couplet from Romans 12:2, “be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds,” conflicting realities become obvious: conformity or transformation. The world cries out, “be conformed to me”; yet God calls, “be transformed.” Why would a “new creation” be called to transformation? The answer is simple. The fallen world creates a spiritual tension that necessitates that our mind (our thoughts, emotions, and will) be genuinely renewed.
The renewed mind is the mind that is under the influence of the Holy Spirit. This opposes the carnal mind that follows the way of the present culture. So, in the reality of the new, be transformed by the renewing of your mind:
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. (Romans 12:2)
As Romans 12:2 instructs, we are called to prove God’s will (living to honor Christ) by obeying the leading of the Holy Spirit. This course of obedience, when genuinely lived, renews the mind and soul – the inner man. We no longer follow the impulses of the flesh nor the will of man, but God and His will made known in Christ Jesus our Lord.
As we begin to surrender our emotions, thoughts and will to the Holy Spirit, we begin to know God’s will experientially. In this way, the mind is renewed, and true transformation takes place.
So, in Christ you are made brand new. This involves the whole work of God, and no human work at all. Having been made new, the mind is renewed as we continually surrender to Jesus and strive to live in agreement with God’s work in Christ that has made us brand new. This pattern of living becomes empowered by God’s Word, even as Jesus prayed for His followers to become sanctified by the Word of God (John 17:17).
So today, celebrate the new. And live it out. As we enter this new year, celebrate that in Christ alone you are made brand new. And begin now aligning yourself to the call of a renewed mind.
Blessings.