Several months ago as I was searching the scriptures on what it meant to “be transformed and renewed” in God’s Spirit, I re-read Romans 12:2 which refers to our being a “living sacrifice” in which we live our lives as “sacrifices to God.” When we do this, we are no longer masters of our bodies and minds, but God is. In other words, it is God who is in control of our lives.
Let us take a look at some of the scriptures that guide us in living our lives every day with our mind, body, and spirit.
MIND (NIV):
Romans 12:2: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
Ephesians 4:22-24: “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
BODY (NIV):
I Corinthians 6:19-20: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”
Romans 12:1: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship.”
I Corinthians 12:27: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
SPIRIT (NIV):
Ephesians 3:16: “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”
Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Galatians 5:25: “Since we live by the Spirit (fruit of the Spirit), let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Living our lives with our mind, body, and Spirit is an act of worship. If we try to grow and change spiritually without the Holy Spirit, we are actually conforming to the pattern of the world. We are told to be “transformed by the renewing of our minds–change our way of thinking”–and we can do this by our actions (in our everyday lives). We please God when our minds are renewed.
It is the same with our body and Spirit. We have put off “our old self” to serve God in all areas of our lives. By being transformed, the scriptures tell us that “we will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
This is an act of faith as we believe that God will show us his good and perfect will as we continue to conform to His directions in our mind, body, and Spirit.
Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever your have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (NIV)
Be transformed–be renewed–be diligent–be kind and loving–be filled with the Holy Spirit. In doing so God’s hands, His words, and His grace will live in and through you. This gives us the power to “be transformed” and live for Him every day. My prayer is that my grandchildren will learn to do this throughout their lives as well.
Remember, “mistakes are made; promises are broken; but God’s love and forgiveness are sure.” (Anonymous)
Blessings,
Yvonne