“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].” Romans 12:2 AMP
One of the jobs of the Holy Spirit is to begin the process of “renewing our mind focusing on Godly values and ethical attitudes.” WOW! That is an abundantly clear description about what and how we are to spend our thought life and actions. We all know that our values govern our actions. What we believe and adhere to is exactly what come from our lives. We do have a word for one who proclaims one thing but does another, hypocrite! Once we have committed to a life following Christ, the Holy Spirit begins the process of renewing our minds so that we may discern the validity and will of God. Look at the verse again, “…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].” The verse tell us that we must “prove to ourselves” that the Word and will of God are applicable to our lives.
God is not a master of our lives but rather allowing us, even in our sinful state to choose Him and His ways. The whole intent of God once we come to the cross is to reveal to us the truth and leave the decision to follow it up to us. Look at what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church.
“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the [Holy] Spirit who is from God, so that we may know and understand the [wonderful] things freely given to us by God. 13We also speak of these things, not in words taught or supplied by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual thoughts with spiritual words [for those being guided by the Holy Spirit]. 1 Corinthains 2:13-14 AMP
The spirit of the world had led us to death and destruction enslaving us to the wants of our flesh. The Spirit of God however is leading us to life and freedom. Notice that the source of this renewing process is the Spirit combining and interpreting Spiritual thoughts and words. Look to the words of the Apostle John in his first epistle.
“But you have an anointing from the Holy One [you have been set apart, specially gifted and prepared by the Holy Spirit], and all of you know [the truth because He teaches us, illuminates our minds, and guards us from error]. 21I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie [nothing false, no deception] is of the truth.” 1 John 2:20-21 AMP
Do you see it? We have the truth now, the decision to accept it is still our choice! James hits the nail on the head with these words.
“But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth]. 23For if anyone only listens to the word without obeying it, he is like a man who looks very carefully at his natural face in a mirror; 24for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he immediately forgets what he looked like. But he who looks carefully into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and faithfully abides by it, not having become a [careless] listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he will be blessed and favored by God in what he does [in his life of obedience].” James 1:22-25 AMP
We must remember and accept that WE are the one who can limit the power of God’s Word in our lives. God will not operate outside His standards and requirements. If we want the abundant life we must be willing to be conformed to the image of Christ in our lives. That my friends is totally our choice! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken