The Bible tells us that one of the highest, ultimate goals that God has in store for each one of us is our transformation in Him – and this transformation is accomplished by the renewing of our mind. The Bible tells us that God wants to sanctify us and transform us into the express image of His Son Jesus Christ. He wants to make us into a better and more holy people, both on the inside and the outside. Here is the specific verse from Scripture that will tell us that this kind of transformation is actually done by the renewing of our minds in the Lord:
“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.” (Romans 12:2)
For some reason we have a tendency to think like the rich man in the following verse. If God asks us to give up something or think a certain way, He is just going to take away something I need or like.
“Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’ he said. ‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.’” (Mark 10:21-22, 27)
Do you think that He would ask this man to do this and then perhaps give him more wealth than he ever had? He was thinking how poor he would be and not thinking that God rewards faithfulness. Perhaps he wouldn’t have had wealth, but what if he would? The same concept applies to having our mind transformed. If God is asking us to rid our mind of something, do we not understand that He will replace it with something far more beneficial and rewarding?
The first thing each Christian must know is exactly what it is that God wants to change about us. If you do not know exactly what it is God wants to do with you in this sanctification-transformation process, then you will have a very hard time in being able to fully cooperate with Him once He does try to start the renewal and transformation process on the inside of you.
There are a million and one self-help books on the market, but there is only one Book that will tell you exactly what it is God wants to do with you on the inside to change you for the better – and that book is the Bible. There are no other books out there that will tell you the specific and exact points that God is looking to target to make this transformation occur in the way that He would really like.
The Bible tells us that this sanctification-transformation process is actually done by the Holy Spirit. However, the Holy Spirit will not start this transformation process in you until He has something to work with – and that something is knowledge – and that knowledge can only be obtained from the Bible.