Do some thoughts interfere with your faith? Do you find yourself getting stuck in thought-loops that hinder you from walking in the Spirit? Does it feel as if some habits you desire to change are always going to there? It’s tempting to become discouraged when you experience these things, but don’t lose heart. We know it’s a question of changing the way we think. Many believers love to quote Romans 12:2 in relation to that process: 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. This verse alone tells us we can change our thinking by renovating our minds. Moreover, Scripture reveals God is active in the process. Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. How do we renew or renovate our minds? What role do we play in it, if we’re going to see an acceleration in the process? Philippians points out the obvious: it starts with God. But what does that mean for us? We begin by surrendering to Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:11-12 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God (be sure to read the entire chapter).
Remember, we are spirit, soul and body. Holy Spirit speaks to our spirit, which in turn speaks to our heart, soul and mind. We cannot truly renew our minds without Him. Acceleration means full cooperation. We can either submit and agree, or rebel and resist. Even though Holy Spirit lives in you, He is not going to make you do anything; He will allow you decide for yourself. You choose! Cooperation ties in with obedience, which is connected to belief. To obey means to believe God with the intent to conform to His desires. So, believe it is possible, simply because God says so. Man’s opinion apart from God has little value. Reject any contrary message you might have believed to be true. For instance, “You will never change!” Is that God’s Word to you? Of course, not. You can do whatever God says you can do. The more you focus on the things of God, the faster you grow. Conversely, the more you focus on the things of the world, the slower the growth.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Ephesians 4:23-24 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him.
