July 5, 2023
The Value of a Renewed Mind – Romans 12:2
In his recent sermon, Pastor Eric explores the incredible gift bestowed upon us by God—the mind. He highlights the significance of cultivating a renewed mind, which plays a crucial role in our relationship with God, others, and ourselves. The mind’s power and vulnerability impact our thoughts, emotions, behavior, and overall well-being.
The Mind’s Value and Influence
Pastor Eric draws attention to the numerous biblical references that emphasize the importance of the mind. Created in God’s image, our minds reflect His intelligence and creativity. The mind enables us to make decisions, discern between right and wrong, seek and know God, and understand His ways. It possesses the ability to shape our character, impact our relationships, and determine our destiny.
Worship: More Than Singing
Expanding the concept of worship, Pastor Eric explains that it encompasses more than singing a few lyrics on a Sunday morning. True worship entails offering our entire selves as a living sacrifice to God. Obedience, serving, giving, sharing our faith, helping the needy, enduring trials, and walking in holiness—all these aspects constitute genuine worship. By aligning our lives with God’s will and living in a way that pleases Him, we truly worship Him.
The Vulnerability of the Mind
Charles Stanley’s said:
The enemy knows that if he can control your thoughts, he can control your life
underscores the mind’s vulnerability. Our thoughts can become uninvited hitchhikers, taking control of our actions and emotions without permission. Thus, it becomes crucial to protect and guard our minds from lies. We possess the power to choose the thoughts we entertain, the attitudes we adopt, and the perspectives we hold.
Avoiding Conformity to the World
Pastor Eric refers to Romans 12:2, which admonishes believers not to conform to the pattern of this world. He highlights the inherent contradiction between the values, beliefs, and behaviors promoted by the world and those taught by Jesus. While we are called to love the people in this world, we must recognize that following Jesus often puts us at odds with the world’s system. Jesus Himself foretold that the world would hate His followers.
Finding Balance in Material Blessings
Addressing the topic of material blessings, Pastor Eric provides biblical references that demonstrate God’s desire to bless His people materially. While there is nothing inherently wrong with having nice things and possessions, Pastor Eric emphasizes the need to strike a balance. Accumulating wealth and possessions should not become an obsession or hinder our spiritual growth. Material blessings should be seen as part of God’s overall blessings rather than the sole focus of our lives.
Pastor Eric’s sermon reminds us of the incredible value and vulnerability of our minds. By renewing our minds and aligning them with God’s will, we engage in true worship. We can protect our minds from negative influences and choose thoughts that align with truth, purity, and righteousness. While we navigate the challenges of living in the world, we are called to stand firm in our faith and resist conforming to worldly patterns. Finally, we are encouraged to embrace material blessings with a balanced perspective, recognizing their place within God’s broader plan for our lives.