We are ten days into our 31 Days of Renewing. We’ve laid a lot of groundwork and it’s time to start digging into the specifics.

But I wonder if maybe…well…not that you’d ever say it out loud. But do you ever wonder why bother? Ever wonder what’s in it for me?

Or maybe you’re worried that your renewed mind will make you as interesting as a coaster at your next work party or family gathering. Or . . . maybe that’s just me.

Well, I’ve got good news.

Check out what Paul had to say earlier in Romans ~ For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:6 ESV)

I learned something very interesting when I started studying this verse.

It turns out that in the Greek, there are no verbs which makes the statement even more emphatic. Read literally, it’s more like this: For the thinking of the flesh – death; the thinking of the Spirit – life and peace.

This verse is a statement of fact. If your mind is set on the Spirit – life and peace are yours.

And while we probably assume that this is talking about eternal life, and that is true, this particular usage implies an absolute fullness of life. The kind of life originally intended for us. A fully satisfied existence.

Here. On earth.

And that peace? It’s the inward tranquility which accompanies that kind of fully satisfied existence.

Life . . . and peace . . . now.

Yeah. I’d say it’s worth it.

Colossians 3:2 ~ Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (ESV)

Several years ago, my husband and I attended a Weekend to Remember marriage conference. Have you ever been to one? They are excellent and I highly recommend them!

I used to think  marriage conferences were for people whose marriages were in shambles. But after spending a weekend focused on my marriage, I had a change of heart. I now think marriage conferences are best for people whose marriages are just fine.

Because just fine marriages have a nasty habit of falling apart.

Why?

Because we stop putting any effort into them. Everything is okay.

Until one day, it isn’t.

Did the problems happen overnight? Of course not.

So what happened?

As I learned at our first conference, there are no static relationships. You are either moving toward oneness or moving away from it. There is no middle ground. Either you put the effort into continuously improving your marriage, or it will erode and without intervention, collapse.

The same is true of our minds.

There is no such thing as a happy medium. Left alone, our minds will return to their default settings. Which, in my case, means I’ll be focused on the most important person in my world.

Me.

My attitude, mood, and general outlook on life will be based on how I’m being treated. If I’m being overlooked or overworked then my life is terrible. If I’m being cherished and adored then my life is fabulous.

Your default setting might not look quite as selfish and self-absorbed as mine, but everyone’s mind will default to earthly settings.

You are either renewing your mind and setting it on things above, or it is set on things of the earth. There is no middle ground. Either we make a conscious and continuous effort to change our mindset or our minds become deeper entrenched in the things of earth.

This whole renewing thing? It’s just like a marriage. It requires regular maintenance.
Every day.
For as long as we live.

As we dive into a new week, we’re going to look at specific passages that talk about what we are to set our minds on. I hope you’ll join us!

If this is your first visit, we’re deep into 31 Days of Renewing. You can see previous posts here.

Can you believe we are on Day 8?

If you’ve missed any of the previous posts, you can find a list of all of them here.

Today’s post wasn’t in my original plan. I intended to dive into some of the many Scriptures that talk about our minds and what we should think about.

But I kept getting hung up on the word “should.”

The Bible is quite clear. There are things we are commanded to think about. And there are things we are commanded to put aside.

But I have to tell you, to me, that last sentence smacks of legalism. More items on the “Do” list. More items on the “Don’t” list.

Part of me wants to throw up my hands and say, “You want me to do more?” Because I just don’t have much “more” available. I’m running on fumes most of the time and the idea of doing “more” – well, to be honest, it kinda freaks me out.

So before we go any further, let’s get this clear, settled, and renewed in our minds.

In the days ahead, when we talk about setting our minds on things above, having the mind of Christ, dwelling on what is pure, and all that God is going to show us, we must remember one more thing.

Renewing our minds doesn’t require us to do more. It requires us to think more.

Or, as I heard it put a few weeks ago, we aren’t talking about adding to the to-do list.

We’re talking about re-purposing the to-do list. (Don’t you love that!)

When we read that we are to think about things above, that doesn’t mean we don’t think about earthly things like getting our oil changed (note to self…get oil changed this week). It means that we choose to think about earthly things in light of eternity.

What if we chose to splash some grace into the service station? To bring Jesus into the waiting area?

I know. It’s a whole new way of thinking, isn’t it?!

If you’re anything like me, you don’t usually think that way. You think about how long it’s going to take, how much it’s going to cost, how many things you would rather be doing, and whether or not the kids will make it through the hour without tearing anything apart. (OK, maybe you don’t think that way, but I do).

But what if my oil change is about so much more than car maintenance? What if there’s someone there who needs to see Jesus, lived out, right in front of them? But what if I miss it because I go through my day without giving a second (or even a first) thought to the redemptive dance God is choreographing all around me?

So as we move forward and we talk about filling our minds with the Word, thinking about things that are true, taking thoughts captive, and having minds that are stayed on Jesus, let’s remember this . . . it’s not about doing more in order to be good and stay on God’s good side so we don’t get in big trouble.

It’s about thinking more about Him. About His Kingdom. About the redemptive plan He is – at this very moment – implementing, and about our part in it.

Later this month, we’ll be talking about how “doing” is often a by-product of “thinking”. It’s impossible to focus on what God is up to and not want to be an active participant in the fun!

But we’re also going to talk about how God never intended for us lead the hectic lives most of us are experiencing. Could it be that as we focus on things above, the items on our to-do list change?

Could it be that there will be fewer items on the to-do list than we started with?

Maybe when we say, “God, do you want me to do more?”

He smiles and says, “No. I want to do more. Care to join me?”

It all starts with renewing…

Over the past couple of days, we’ve been focusing on the things we forget to remember.

On Day 5 we remembered who we were.

Day 6 was hard for me. Was it for you? Did you watch the video? Because as hard as it is, it’s crucial that we remember that our Jesus died for us – a brutal, gory death. All so we could be redeemed.

Which brings us to today’s topic.

As I seek to renew my mind, I must remember . . . why I am here.

But it’s hard.

There are days when all I do is focus on my to-do list. I make beds, change diapers, prepare meals, sign school papers, clean toilets, brush my teeth, go to bed and wake to do it all over again. It’s mundane. Sometimes, it feels pointless.

When I forget why I’m here, I get so caught up in my daily life that I miss the opportunities God designed for me.

I live and breathe right now because God is still using me and my life to touch the lives of those around me with the message of His love and grace.

The only reason I’m still here is because God’s redemptive plan includes me.

And there is nothing mundane about that!

Sure, I still have to do the laundry. But what if instead of griping about it, I saw it as a necessary step in fulfilling my calling? Clothing is not optional. My husband really does need clean socks and underwear so he can bring the redemptive work of Christ into his office.

My house doesn’t need to be spotless, but would I tackle the toilets differently if I remembered that I’m a lot more willing to invite my lost neighbor over for a playdate and coffee if I’m not embarrassed by what she’ll see when she steps in the door?

Would being the room mom be such a challenge if I remembered that God’s redemptive plan for the world includes the uniquely created daughter He entrusted to my care?

It’s still laundry, toilets and field trips, but with a renewed mind, instead of drudgery . . . it’s worship.

So what about the “boring” parts of your life? Can you think of a chore that takes on new meaning as you renew your mind and remember why you are here? Please share it with us in the comments!

And take a moment to watch this video…let the words sink in…you are telling the story of grace with every move that you make!

It’s so easy to forget.

But so important to remember . . . Who saved me . . . and at what cost.

Jesus – the Word made flesh – left the heavens and became man.

He died a horrible death.

And He did it for me.

There is no such thing as cheap grace.

Remembering this today.

From yesterday – Remembering . . . the first step to renewing.

I need to remember who I was.

And this was – and often still is – a tricky spot for me.

Because by human standards, I wasn’t that bad.

I accepted Christ as my Savior at the age of four. What’s the worst I had done? Refuse to share my crayons?

Other people have testimonies of amazing life transformation, overcoming addictions, turning from a life of crime or promiscuity.

My testimony is B-O-R-I-N-G.

  • I got saved. 
  • I never got in trouble.
  • I love Jesus.
  • The end.

I thank God for my Godly heritage. For parents who taught me, early and often, about the God of the Universe and His redemptive plan. I’m thankful that my spirit is not scarred by sins that – while eternally forgiven – have lasting consequences on earth.

But please note that earlier I said “by human standards.” Because if I only think about how I measure up to those around me, I’ll totally miss the point.

I am a sinner.

My list of offenses is long and it grieves the Holy heart of God. My transgressions, while not “flashy” are, in their own way, darker and more insidious than the ones that get shared and shouted about on testimony night at the camp meeting.

It’s not often you hear someone share about how God has forgiven them for their pride. For their lust. For their greed. For their anger. For their self-sufficiency.

Some sins just aren’t popular to talk about.

Because some sins are just way too popular.

How is it possible? How are some sins tolerated? Overlooked? Ignored? My guess is because we aren’t allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our minds. We think we’re okay and we don’t need to change.

I heard this statement in a sermon recently and it has been branded on my soul.

Some of us are unable to appreciate God’s grace because deep down . . . we think we deserve it. (Jason Malone, Southside Fellowship, 9/25/11)

Before you brush that off, dwell on it for a few minutes. Let it sink in. Because you know it’s true.

Have you forgotten who you were?

Are you living your life under the notion that you deserve God’s grace?

How would your life be different . . . if you remembered?

Father, help us remember who we were. Give us hearts that beat with the deep recognition of our hopelessness and helplessness and desperate need for your grace.

Thanks for stopping by today. If you’ve landed here for the first time, we are on Day 4 of a series I’m calling 31 Days of Renewing.

Yesterday, we talked about how we do not, in ourselves, have the power to renew our minds, but that change is possible through the power of the Holy Spirit.

It sounds simple enough.

But we all know it isn’t.

We know what we should do.

But we don’t do it.

We’re in good company. The Apostle Paul (the very same guy who has exhorted us to renew our minds) had the same problem. In Romans 7, he tells us that he doesn’t understand his own actions – he doesn’t do what he wants to do, and does the very things he hates (verse 17).

Why? Why is this so hard?

There are a lot of reasons. But here’s one that I’ve found to be true in my own life.

Forgetfulness.

In her book, Grace for the Good Girl, Emily Freeman makes this statement.

Satan’s biggest, most effective weapon against good girls may not be lust or slander or adultery or addiction. It is forgetfulness (p. 170).

What do I forget?

  • I forget what I was.
  • I forget Who saved me and at what price.
  • I forget why I’m here.

But remembering is the first step to renewing.

What about you? What do you think is your biggest obstacle to a renewed mind? Tell us about it in the comments and come back tomorrow as we wade deeper into what renewing our minds looks like.

Romans 12:2 ~ 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. (ESV)

Yesterday we talked about what renewing means.

And we asked this question – after you’ve been renewed, how do you make it stick?

The answer: You don’t.

You don’t do anything.

You don’t have the power to renew your mind at all.

But if you’ve accepted the work of Christ on the cross, you do have the power inside you.

It’s very interesting to me to note that this verse (Romans 12:2) was not written to unbelievers. An unbeliever doesn’t have a chance. They haven’t been made new in the first place. The Spirit has not come to dwell inside them, so the renewing of their mind is not an option.

But once we are have been made new in Christ, renewing our minds is the key to avoid being conformed to this world.

And this renewing will be an ongoing process.

If I live to be 112, I’ll still need to take an active role in the renewing of my mind. I’ll never finish the job. My renovations will only be complete when I leave this body behind and open my eyes to see His face.

This is hard for me, because I’m a task oriented kind of girl. I like to start – and finish – projects. That’s what makes laundry such an ordeal for me. It is NEVER done.

Never.

Ever.

And neither is this. I can focus on renewing my mind for 31 days, but if I don’t make it a priority – every day – for the rest of my life, the new won’t stick.

I’ll be just like those makeover participants we talked about yesterday. I’ll be wandering around, remembering what it felt like to be all refreshed and reinvigorated and renewed. But I’ll still be the same old me.

So why bother?

Because renewing our minds is possible.

We have the ultimate mind-makeover specialist at work in us. The Holy Spirit has the power and the desire to transform our thinking.

The key is to let Him do it. To get out of His way and allow Him to work.

And not to clutter up His work area with junk.

Uh-oh. Now I’ve messed around and gone to meddling. We’ll talk about the junk later.

The Holy Spirit dwells within us. But He doesn’t take control of our minds and force us to sing hymns all day. He doesn’t turn us into scripture spouting robots. (In case you’re worried – hymn singing, scripture spouting automatons isn’t what He’s after – hang in there with me).

He is God. And He has the power to do whatever He wants.

But He waits for us to turn Him loose.

To give Him the keys to the house. To sit down in His holy chair and allow Him to start snipping away all the things that drag us down, to shave off the beards of worry, deception and fear that we have allowed to grow for far too long.

When we relinquish control to Him, He colors our lives with His truth.

And when we repeat the process, day after day, the new starts to stick.

Tomorrow, we’ll be talking about why this daily relinquishing of control is so stinking hard. Please join us!

What does renewing mean anyway?

Well, the dictionary lists quite a few definitions including to make like new: restore freshness, vigor or perfection; to make new spiritually; to begin again.

Those definitions work for me. They go along with what I thought it means to be renewed.

But I decided to dig a little deeper.

(Look out – uncharted territory ahead – I had a Beth Moore moment!)

I pulled up the Greek word used for renew in Romans 12:2. (I used the Greek lexicon found here).

“a)nakaiðnwsiv” is transliterated to “Anakainosis” and the definition is as follows: a renewal, renovation, complete change for the better.

And when I read that definition, my mind took off. Because while renewal makes sense to me, I’m a sucker for a renovation.

I love makeover shows.

My favorite part is the big reveal when the transformation is complete. The experts have worked their magic and we watch with the happy homeowners, frumpy housewife or hairy biker as they wait with high hopes to see something new. And it’s clear from their faces that they don’t even recognize the house that now sits on the curb, or the face that is reflected back to them in the mirror.

There has been a complete change for the better.

A renewal.

But are you like me? Do you ever wonder what these people look like six months later? Is the housewife back in her sweats? Has the biker let his beard grow? Is the grass a foot high in the backyard of the new house?

Without experts on hand to help, were they able to stay “new and improved”?

My guess…probably not.

So what does it take to make the new stick?

That’s what we’ll be exploring tomorrow.

*****

If you’ve stumbled on us, we’re in the middle of a series called 31 Days of Renewing. You can find links to older posts here.

Romans 12:2 ~ 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. (ESV)

31 days of renewing . . . 31 posts on one subject?

AAAAGGGGHHHH!
OK.
I’m fine now.
So, seriously, why spend 31 days on renewing?
Short Answer: Because I have a mind that needs renewing.
Longer Answer: Because renewing my mind isn’t just a good idea. It’s a command. And one I have never taken seriously. But as I read and study, I’ve come face to face with a shocking reality.
My mind is messed up.
Go ahead. Laugh. Come on back when you’re through.
I realize I set myself up for that one, but in this case I’m not talking about the fact that clutter annoys me, that I like to read magazines from front to back with no skipping around or that I could spend hours in Staples just looking at pens and notebooks.
I’m talking about things that matter.
My mind runs everything through a filter that is made up of my experiences, my beliefs and my emotions and what it spits out isn’t always accurate. What I perceive is not always real. What I believe to be fact is not always true.
Over the next 31 days, I’m going to explore what it means to renew our minds. I hope to unearth some of the lies we believe and plant Truth in their place. I long to discover what renewing my mind looks like in real life. I expect that I’ll find that I dwell more on earthly things than heavenly things, but I’m excited to search out what the Bible says about what we should set our minds on.
I’d love for you to join me as I take this journey.
Please know that this will be a process of discovery. I don’t have 31 posts written in advance. The posts may seem random and disorganized, but I plan to write about what God is showing me.
I hope you enjoy coming along for the ride and I’d love to hear your thoughts about renewing your mind. Have you ever made a conscious effort to change your mindset? Tell us about it in the comments!

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