Renewed: The Pathway to Christlikeness

The direction of our thoughts cannot be separated from the direction of our lives – so we think, so we go.  We are constantly aiming.  God desires for us to be intentional in where we focus our attentions.  Indeed, Paul in our verses today, urges us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds in order for us to test and approve what God’s good and pleasing and perfect will is for our lives.  We have one life and we do not want to waste it.  What are the desires we intentionally inflame or the directions we persistently follow?  It matters.  The mind, will and desires are unified, functioning together in unity in the heart one way or the other - either fallen or redeemed by grace. We must become more intentional about where we focus our attention.  Scripture tells us we are to set our hearts and minds on things above – not on earthly things.  Indeed, Paul tells us in Romans Eight that the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace but the mind of sinful man is death.  Sin will always lead to death of something. 

The well ordering of one’s heart is hard work yet God desires for us to willingly allow His sovereignty through His power over our inward thoughts which flows outward in our actions.  Remembering His eye is on all things – even the thoughts and attitudes of our own hearts.  Beware as Satan, by the spirit of illusion, can make worldly things appear far bigger and better to us than spiritual things and our affections become easily misled.  We are protected and our minds are renewed when we stay in and apply God’s Word to our lives through the power of His Spirit.