Change your thinking              

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT

I suppose most of us are influenced by those around us, whether for good or bad. That is why it is wise to limit our exposure to those with godly values and common sense. The same is true for the customs and behavior of the world, or as some Bible translations say, ‘of this age’, meaning the system of beliefs, values, and the spirit of the age. Christians need wisdom in what we choose to participate in sifting out what is of this age and what is not. I’ll admit, at times, it seems like a fine line, and what we see is often blurred by the customs we’re familiar with. The spirit of this age is under the influence of Satan who is real and not a myth. His agenda is for you and me to influence us to behave in check with the world around us.

Christians must combat this kind of thinking from the world by changing our thinking to the Lord’s way of thinking. Scripture instructs us to let God do the transforming. Romans 12:2 says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” (nlt) Changing the way we think is another way to say, ‘renewing your mind.’ We renew our minds by studying God Word. As we engage in serious study of Scripture the Holy Spirit gradually changes our way of thinking as we compare what God says in His Word with what the world is telling us. There is no comparison, and trust me, it will change your mind. You will then determine what is of the world and what is not. “Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Ro.12:2b nlt)