“Do not conform any longer 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 a police chaplain I’ve spent hours in squad cars with officers speaking about the brokenness of the society they deal with. We talk about how personal faith in God can bring change. In our post-Christian society, we’ve tossed God aside and have been left adrift with an inconsistent mind-set of “anything goes.” Where does the Christian find stability?
Romans 12 gives us words of direction when Paul calls us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” To be “renewed” suggests that at one time we had it right, but then our spiritual connection with God was short-circuited, and we flamed out. That “short-circuiting” happened way back in the Garden of Eden. The only way for us to be renewed and made right before our Holy God is through Jesus. That’s why Paul uses the phrase, “in Christ” (see v. 5).
The Navigators ministry had me memorize Romans 12:2 from the J.B. Phillips paraphrase whose wording is powerful: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its mold, but let God re-mold your minds from within.”
Romans 12 gives us words of direction when Paul calls us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” To be “renewed” suggests that at one time we had it right, but then our spiritual connection with God was short-circuited, and we flamed out. That “short-circuiting” happened way back in the Garden of Eden. The only way for us to be renewed and made right before our Holy God is through Jesus. That’s why Paul uses the phrase, “in Christ” (see v. 5).
The Navigators ministry had me memorize Romans 12:2 from the J.B. Phillips paraphrase whose wording is powerful: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its mold, but let God re-mold your minds from within.”
Scripture Focus
Romans 12
Insight
“Be gracious to me through your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws” (Psalm 119:29-30).
Bible In A Year
- 2 Samuel 5-6
- Psalm 138
- Philippians 1-2
