“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
The Face
Paul names two opposing directions here, conformed to this world, versus transformed by the renewing of your mind, and it is worth noticing where this transformation is specifically located, the mind, ongoing renewal of actual thought patterns, not merely external behavior modification applied from the outside.
This is worth examining against however much your own attempts at change have focused primarily on outward behavior, correcting visible actions, while the underlying mind, the actual thought patterns producing those actions, has remained largely unrenewed, conformed still to patterns this world has quietly shaped.
Notice that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God, the outcome named for this renewed mind. Genuine transformation is connected here to genuine discernment, a renewed mind actually able to recognize and prove God’s will, not merely comply with external rules imposed from outside.
Consider today one specific pattern of thought, not merely behavior, that remains conformed to this world rather than genuinely renewed. Bring it to God specifically, asking for the mind’s actual renewal this verse describes, not merely outward correction while the underlying thinking remains largely unchanged.
Turn Your Face
- Identify one specific thought pattern, not merely behavior, still conformed to this world.
- Bring it to God today, asking specifically for the mind’s renewal, not merely outward correction.
- Practice discernment today, testing what is good and acceptable, from this more renewed mind.
Prayer
Lord, transform me by the renewing of my mind, not merely outward behavior modification. Let me prove your good, acceptable, and perfect will from a genuinely renewed mind. Amen.
Carry this today
Genuine transformation happens in the mind, not merely in outward behavior.