Are you caught up in this machine we call the world, mindlessly following the crowd? It’s easy to be sucked in. You can only escape by changing the way you think. But how?

 

HOW TO CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK

Start with this simple exercise:

  • Close your eyes.
  • Become aware of your breathing.
  • Let out a couple big sighs.
  • Take a few moments, slowing the inhale and the exhale, being lulled by their rhythm.
  • Open your eyes and read the following Scripture:

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.  – Romans 12:1/2 (NLT)

 

A Moment to Reflect

Changing the Way You Think - a woman sitting on the sofa - lost in thought - Shutterstock

Can you think of any specific ways where the world is trying to squeeze you into its mold?

Where do you feel this pressure to conform?

Have you been trying to resist? How’s that going?

 

PUT GOD IN CHARGE

Your Father in Heaven is both willing and able to help you shake off the world and its ways. He will mold you, moment by moment. He will shape you to look more like Jesus and less like His enemies. But first, you must yield.

This particular victory comes only through surrender. It’s time to give up control and trust God with your life. The truth is, without Divine empowerment it’s impossible to swap the way you think for the way God thinks. Your fleshly nature may give a noble effort, but without the Holy Spirit’s help there’s no hope.

 

CHANGING THE WAY YOU THINK

 

The Battlefield of the Mind

God’s ways are diametrically opposed to the world. But like it or not, it’s the world in which you’re living.

Conflict is inevitable. Like a statue that’s broken and weathered over time, your edge of integrity begins to wear. Without Divine intervention, it will chip away until you look very much like those who are perishing.

This is a battle, and you’re in it. The first step towards victory is to recognize the conflict. The second is to fight. The weapons of your warfare are not physical. You don’t fight against flesh and blood.  Your adversaries are in the spiritual realm, and the armor you need is spiritual.

This is why it’s so critical to spend time with the Lord, both in His Word and in quiet prayer. Here, you give Him permission to renew your mind and to change the way you think. Submit, and He will strengthen you. Ask, and He will teach you His ways.

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.  – God (Isaiah 55:9)

 

A Subtle Enemy

The world’s way of thinking can easily take root in your mind – especially through television, music, and social media.  These words and messages have a subtle yet profound effect on your mind. With such sly influences pressing in, spiritual discernment is essential for setting boundaries. If you aren’t careful, compromise sneaks in and suddenly, there’s no apparent difference between you and your worldly neighbor.

As a follower of Jesus, you have not been called to fit in. You are redeemed as an example – to stand out, to be a light. Before you speak even a word, the presence of Christ in you shines truth into the darkness. Don’t hide this light under a basket.

 

Spiritual War, Spiritual Weapons

The Word of God and prayer are mighty weapons in your spiritual arsenal. Combining them is double amazing. And so, I am praying God’s Word over you right now, dear reader:

Lord, please cover this reader in your spiritual armor:  the helmet of salvation (to protect her mind), the breastplate of righteousness (to protect her heart), the belt of truth (to keep it all together), the shield of faith (to quench the enemy’s fiery darts), the shoes of the gospel of peace (to carry the good news everywhere), and the sword of the Spirit – which is the Word of God.  I especially pray for the renewing of her mind, Lord – by Your Word and by Your Spirit. Search her heart right now. See if there is any worldliness that has crept in. Show her, so she can repent, be cleansed, renewed and strengthened.  In Jesus’ powerful name I pray. Amen.  – (my paraphrase of  Ephesians 6:13-18)

 

CHANGING THE WAY YOU THINK — IT’S YOUR TURN

When God’s Word morphs into prayer, the results are awesome. Because, you know that you’re praying in accordance with God’s will!

Here’s the verse that I built today’s blog upon. Pray it from your heart:

Heavenly Father, because of your great mercy toward me, and because of all You’ve done for me, I give my whole self to You as a living, holy, and acceptable sacrifice. This is my true and proper worship. I do not want to conform to the behaviors, values, and customs of this world.  Transform me by changing the way I think – by renewing my mind.  Then I will learn to know Your will for me – Your good, pleasing and perfect will. – (from Romans 12:1-2)

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I love hearing from you, and I welcome your comments and questions below. — Ali 🙂

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