A LIFE OF SIGNIFICANCE (1)

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...” – Romans 12:2a

Salvation and Renewing of the Mind are key prerequisites to a LIFE of SIGNIFICANCE and Purpose: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom.12:2). The Amplified Bible says, “And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and PURPOSE for you].

When we repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are saved and transformed from inside-out. God gives life to our spirit-man that was “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph.2:1). We now have the responsibility to present our BODY as “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God” (v.1), and to let God transform us into a new person by changing how we think. Repentance – a change of mind and corresponding action – is the basis of Redemption. A mind that’s unwilling to change or be renewed will never experience what could be, including the awesome possibilities, blessings, and benefits of salvation (Psa.68:19) Prominent among these is Grace for a Life of Significance.

Repentance precedes Redemption’s Refreshing: “REPENT therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that TIMES of REFRESHING may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). The Living Bible says, “Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord.” It’s important that we allow God to change our attitude – what we believe and the way we think, and not be molded by or fall subject to the world and her ways. Philippians 2: 5-7 says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.”

Humility was Christ’s pathway to Honour and Exaltation: “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth” (Phil.2: 8-10). For us, having the Mind of Christ is the Access into God’s Plan, Purpose, and a Life of Significance and Meaning.