Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
—Romans 12:2 (NLT)
When you were born again and became new in Christ, what changed? Did your mind and the way you think suddenly change? Did your body change? No! But your spirit changed completely. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6, NKJV). You are spirit, soul (mind), and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Your spirit was completely reborn by God, but for your mind and body to experience the benefits of your new nature in Jesus, your mind must be renewed.
“Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes,” Paul wrote. “Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy” (Ephesians 4:23-24, NLT). Your nature is new because your spirit has been born-again by His Spirit, but for you to believe it, your mind needs to be transformed by the gift of His righteousness. You “put on your new nature.” You choose for your mind to be renewed continuously and molded by the Holy Spirit. The Truth of God’s Word is what changes your mind, and it is the Spirit is who guides you into its Truth (John 16:13).
“Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think!” Paul declares in Romans 12:2. This statement is life-changing. To be renewed and changed by the Holy Spirit is a decision you make. In return, the Holy Spirit brings His power to transform and renew your thoughts and desires. It is your choice to “put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy” (Ephesians 4:23-24, NLT). It is your decision “to make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love” (2 Peter 1:5-7, NIV). When you purposely choose these qualities in 2 Peter 1, you put on the new righteous nature that you received when your spirit was born again.
When you choose over and over again to grow spiritually into the new person He has made you, God faithfully changes your attitude and the way you think. Your self-focused mind, which has fought fear and doubt, believes in His promises. You focus instead on others. When you consistently surrender your mind to the power of the Holy Spirit and choose to add these qualities in your life, you will be continually renewed in the way you think. You shall not only be effective in what you do for Him, but you shall never look again at anything with a mind that has closed itself to possibilities. His renewing power will change your whole perspective. You shall know the depths of His Grace, which continually changes you.
Don't copy the world or make yourself like anyone else. You are God’s unique creation to be molded by His Truth and Spirit. When you allow Him to renew your mind, you come to believe in your heart the new nature you received in your spirit when you were born again. Your spirit, mind, and body receive the benefits of your redemption. And you shall know His good, pleasing, and perfect will for your life.
© 2021 by Lynn Lacher
www.lynnlacher.com/2020/01/put-on-your-new-nature.html.
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