Renew Your Mind

Have you ever felt lost? Have you wondered why you are where you are? Have you wondered what your purpose in life is? Are you willing to listen to good advice? Are you willing to follow God’s plan for your life? Do you want to know what his plan is for you?

Often, we think we know what we want to do. But that’s the crux of the issue, isn’t it? It is what we want to do, not necessarily what we are gifted to do. We pursue what we want only to discover we aren’t really gifted for it. We may become miserable while pursuing what we want.

On the other hand, we may need to go through a series of pursuits to not only find what we are designed to do, but to prepare us for it as well. For example, I am on my third profession (fourth if you count my short stint out of the Marine Corps). I have been a warehouseman, driving a forklift, stocking gear, and conducting inventories. I have worked in the information technology field as a programmer, database administrator, network engineer, and enterprise architect. Finally, I have landed in my current position as a pastor.

In each of these professions, God has taught me something I can use in my pastoral role. I have had experiences in my travels around the world and living the life of a “normal” person before going into the ministry. This helps me understand the quandaries someone else is experiencing.

Coming to the ministry only occurred, though, as my mind was renewed through my willingness to submit to God’s will. Understanding his will only came as I studied his Word and built my relationship with him. This is the renewing of the mind the Apostle Paul is talking about. As we become closer to God, focusing on him, our mind becomes clearer. We then see where he wants us to be and what he wants us to do. It takes time and a willingness to submit to God.

I pray we all submit to God. I pray we seek to build our relationship with him. I pray each one of us will allow God to renew our mind and focus on discerning his will for our lives. Submit to God. Build your relationship with him. Allow God to renew your mind. Discern his will for your life.

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.