Lesson 1:
What does it mean to renew your mind?Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. Romans 12:2 AMPC
Simply put, transformation happens because of renewal. If you want to see transformation in your life, no matter what area of life it is, you must first renew your mind concerning that area of life.
So let’s break this down a little. I love definitions because they help me understand things on a basic level. Let’s look at Mind, Renew, & Transform.
Mind
Your thought-life, ideals, attitude, and belief system.
Renew
to renovate, a complete change for the better, to make new; to be changed into a new kind of life as opposed to the former corrupt state.
Transform
To change into another form
So let’s put this all together.
This means that your thought-life, ideals, attitude, and belief system about the area of life you want to see transformation in must be renovated, changed for the better, and made new if we want to see it changed into a better, healthier, more successful and prosperous form than its current state.
Important Points
- Transformation is always the result of renewal.
- Renewal is your responsibility.
- Relationship and partnership with God are the first steps to renewal.