Mind

Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.
– Romans 12:2

The main thing that distinguished humans from the animal is our minds; our ability to think and solve problems. René Descartes is famous for stating that “I think, therefore I am.” As humans, we possess an awareness that no other animal has. While animals rely on their instincts, mankind has been gifted with conscience and morality.

The human mind, the brain, is a power like no other. The body will not function properly if the brain is damaged. A person’s actions and beliefs can be understood by their mindset. The mind is the hub of all other activity. By renewing of the mind, one’s own perspectives will change.

The Greek word for “renewal” stems from the word “restore”. We all come into this world fallen and separated from God. Jesus, through his death on the cross, restored our relationship with God. As an act of our new belief in Jesus, it’s typical for one to be baptized. Baptizing emphasizes the washing away of the old self; the renewal of one’s faith or mindset.

Paul tells us that as believers they must put on the armor of God. One piece of this armor is the helmet of salvation. Our mind is protected by the knowledge that through Jesus we have been redeemed. As the foundation of our faith, it would make sense that Paul says that our minds are protected under the shroud of our salvation. Our faith is grounded in our belief in Jesus.

But what is God’s will? How can we, mere mortals, discern what God wished from us? Micah answers the latter, telling us that what God requires of us is to do good works and live a humble and holy life (6:8). God’s will is another matter. It’s impossible for us to comprehend the plans of God. We cannot see the whole picture. God lives outside of time, and so sees events in ways that we cannot.

As humans, we try to understand God in a way that makes sense to us. Isaiah writes For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord (55:8). We cannot fully understand the will or ways of God. We can however know a portion from the Bible. The 10 Commandments are a good example of what God wants from us. When Jesus was telling his disciples and others what the greatest commandment is, He says the answer is to love God. The next is to love your neighbor. These two commandments summarize all the other Commandments. Love is the answer.

Don’t let the evil desires of this world control your mind. Seek what is above, remember that this life is but a flicker in the timeline of eternity. The state of the mind reflects the beliefs and values of its owner. Love one another and treat others the way you’d like to be treated.