Renewal
“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)
This verse tells us we will know God’s will when we allow our minds (i.e., intellect, thinking) to be transformed through renewal. Renewal is key because it involves a change of heart and life.
Renovation
Renewal is a renovation, and renovating is a long process. In fact, it’s often less work and cost to build a new house than it is to renovate one. We can’t buy a new mind, though, so we must determine to renovate it.
Like renovating a house, mind renewal takes time. In other words, it’s a progressive activity.
“Not that I have already obtained all this or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Philippians 3:12)
Renewing the mind happens through the progress of dying to sin (i.e., not conforming to the world) and of living in righteousness. It’s about getting rid of the old and bringing in the new.
God’s Will
Renewal is continual work. It’s progress toward perfection. It’s also the path for knowing God’s will.
