In Romans 12:1-2, we are given a beautiful section of Scripture by which we must become living sacrifices to God, transform to avoid conforming, and to prove the perfect will of God. I have struggled for years to learn to control my mind and my thoughts, but it is commanded by God. If it is commanded by Him, it is neither impossible nor harmful to our souls (1 John 5:3). 

So, what does the Bible define our minds to be? In verse 2, the word is “nous.” It is defined as the mind, understanding, and intellectual faculty. This reminded me of a verse in Proverbs. In Proverbs 23:7, it says “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Using these two verses we can come to the conclusion that we think with our mind and our heart. To further this point, Blue Letter Bible defines this wording in Proverbs as “soul, self, mind, and emotion.” The heart and mind are interchangeable biblically.

Next, what is transformation? The word transformation in the Greek is “metamorphoo,” which literally means to change into a different form. To provide further understanding, read Matthew 17:2. This is the scene of Mount Transfiguration, where Jesus transforms (literally changed forms from man to light). 

Transformation is not merely a behavior or attitude adjustment, it is an identity-level change. 

Now, one must ask the question, how? To answer this question in a few verses, we can reread Romans 12 and remind ourselves of this passage from Ephesians. Ephesians 4:17-24, but focus in on verses 22-24. Here, I want to point out that transformation starts with baptism, the first steps in our walk with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 6:4,6). The Ephesians were Christians, therefore as Christians today, we are to be apart of this continual process too. Proverbs 4:23 implies continuation. One can also look at it from this perspective. Romans 12:2 says that we are proving the will of God by transforming. Revelation 2:10 says that we are to be faithful unto death, so we know this is an imperative for the rest of our walk!

After we have become a Christian, what is a practical outlook on renewing the mind?

*this is a layout I made using Scripture in an order that makes sense to me, but I know that there are plenty of other helps in Scripture.

1. Renew your knowledge

Colossians 3:10 – “and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.” This whole entire chapter is so helpful, but this verse specifically is an application I want to draw. Correspondingly, 2 Peter 1:8 says that we will not be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord. The verses beforehand give you more insight into how this is supposed to look (commonly known as the Christian virtues).

      2. Focus your thoughts

Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.” In order to meditate on these things, you must have the knowledge of what these things are. Additionally, the fruits that meditating on these things will be is almost a guarantee that you will be renewed in your mind. 

     3. Have the mind of Christ

Philippians 2:5 – “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” One of the reasons we must renew our minds is because of sin that easily ensnares us. Going back to Romans 12:1, we understand from the text that holiness is essential. Sin starts with the desires of our heart (James 1:14, Mark 7:20-23). If Christ was sinless (He was – 2 Corinthians 5:21), then we must equip the same thing that prevented Him from sinning (a clear mind). Some supporting verses to this would be Romans 8:6 and 1 Corinthians 2:6.

     4. Repeat this daily

As mentioned earlier, this process is one that is continual, not one that stops after becoming a child of God. In order to better please Him, we must be renewed daily with intention. By looking at the unseen, we renew ourselves (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). 

There is a practical solution and pattern for all things in Scripture, which is such a beautiful thing. The Christian walk is work and full of intentionality. I pray that we as Christian women may strive to renew our minds and transform identities in this process.