Renewing of the Mind

“I encourage you mom, break away from the numbing patterns of this world and seek the Lord with all your heart and soul.”

“Do not conform 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.” Romans 12:2

When I think of a pattern, I think of something repeating. It is predictable, each piece fits into a whole but doesn’t stand out on its own. Patterns may look interesting at first but eventually they can become monotonous and restraining. 

Mom, what are the patterns of your thoughts? Are they the same type of thoughts you had 1, 5, or even 10 years ago? Maybe thoughts about your next hair or nail appointment, your next cute outfit, your next weekend out with friends. Or maybe you’re in the stage of life where you’re thinking about the next sports practice, the next dinner, the next field trip. As a woman and mother I think you know exactly what I mean when I mention these never-ending lists running through our minds at any hour of the day or night. I don’t know about you, but these lists can sometimes weigh heavily on me. If I’m not careful they become a weight on my chest, sometimes making me feel panicky. 

Mom, if the pattern of your thoughts is always of worldly to-do lists, then know there is help! In his letter to the Romans Paul says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed”. The New Oxford American Dictionary tells us transformed means to make a thorough or dramatic change in the form, appearance or character of. 

 Do you have a relationship with Jesus that has transformed your everyday thought pattern?  Do you ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit a hundred times a day? 

If not, then mom, I challenge and encourage you to spend time in God’s Word every day.  The foundations of our relationship with the Lord comes from what we learn about the character of our God in the Gospel. Being in a relationship with the Lord has radically changed my thought patterns, from feeling like I have a never ending, overwhelming amount of chores and chaos running through my mind, to being in a conversation throughout the day with my heavenly Father who always knows how to calm and guide me. 

So, I encourage you mom, break away from the numbing patterns of this world and seek the Lord with all your heart and soul. “For everyone who asks receives; and the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:8.

Action Steps:

• Ask yourself, “Have I been transformed?” then read Ephesians 4:17-31 and 5:1-20

Written by Cansas, transformed mom of 3