How do we renew our minds? In a beautiful transformation of nature, the long, small caterpillar turns into the graceful and colourful butterfly. Through the power of regeneration, a new creation comes forward to fulfil its purpose in the eco-system. This process of change is called metamorphosis. This scientific term is derived from an ancient Greek word, metamorphoo which literally means to transform, change, transfigure, to fashion, or to form. Monarch Caterpillar in cocoon 1
Monarch Caterpillar Becoming a Chrysalis Monarch Emerging from a Chrysalis This is the same concept that the author of Romans used when he wrote, Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of Aluah s (God s) mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, set apart and pleasing to Aluah (God) this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the ongoing renewing of your mind, that you may prove what Aluah s (God s) will is his good, pleasing and perfect will, Romans 12:1-2. As Scriptural believers, we are not to be like the rest of the world, but we are to be transformed; literally, metamorphasized, by the renewing of our mind. Like a tadpole that becomes a frog, is how a believer s life should be truly different from the norm of society, when a person follows the will of the Almighty. 2
The pattern of this world The problem is that today s culture is all about patterns. The news media, Hollywood, and peers inspire how we act, look, and feel. Schools and universities produce cloned graduates whose individuality is swallowed up by being accepted and fitting in with the crowd. The way we think is also shaped by the people around us, the movies we watch, and the articles we read! Society is like dough being shaped by a boring cookie cutter of worldly whims and desires. If we think about it, we will soon realize that every part of our very life has been formed by those around us. (And all along, we thought we were in control!!?!) Even the rebel teenager, who wants to be different, will dress like the other teens who desire the same. In a desire to be different, we are all actually, very similar. Unless we have made conscious decisions to change, our life is inside the box of the world. Who we are, that is, what we think and how we act, are directly affected by the events of our past and the people of our environment. We speak English, probably because the people around us do so. We hold certain religious beliefs because we were carted off to church as a child. Or we were not. We think what we do about politics, life, and the Scriptural, based on the influence of the world around us. 3
We are a sum and result of the experiences and environments of our past. Our parents, teachers, friends, and the happenings in our life, have made us who we are today. The shattering truth is that to fulfil our destiny in life, we must break the mould of the world. We have to be different; be separate from the world. To follow the Saviour, we must be transformed, be metamorphasized by a change of mind. We need to let our thinking be made new. Become the butterfly. Break out of the cocoon! A True Story An 80-year-old couple were having problems remembering things, so they decided to go to their doctor to get checked out, to make sure nothing was seriously wrong with them. When they arrived at the doctor s office, they explained to the doctor about the problems they were having with their memory. After checking the couple over, the doctor tells them that they are physically okay, but might want to start writing things down, making notes to help them remember things. The couple thanked the doctor and left. Later that night while watching TV, the old man got up from his chair and his wife asks, Where are you going? He replies, To the kitchen. She asks, Will you get me a bowl of ice cream? He replies, Sure. She then asks him, Don t you think you should write it down, so you can remember it? He says, No, I can remember that. She then says, Well, I also would like some strawberries on top. You had better write that down cause I know you ll forget that. He says, I can remember that, you want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries. She replies, Well, I also would like whipped cream on top. I know you will forget that, so you better write it down. With irritation in his voice, he says, I don t need to write that down. I can remember that. He then, goes into the kitchen fuming. After about 20 minutes, he returns from the kitchen, handing to her a plate of bacon and eggs. She stares at the plate for a moment and says, You forgot my toast! It has been said that the mind is a terrible thing to waste. Yet, waste it we do, by not using our brain properly, to the will of the Almighty. The mind is the seat of emotions where thoughts are developed into a method of thinking. 4
The mind should act like a filter that either allows or prevents thoughts from becoming actions. Most folks though, have their filter clogged. It is clogged with bad ideas, clogged with man-made theologies, and clogged with false teachings. Our filters are clogged from the will of Aluah (God) by the world and its desires. Abundant life is but a dream, because the filter isn t used properly. Currently, we take information and process it through our modern mindset. Life and all of its experiences pass through our collection of memories, knowledge, expectations, and past. This creates a very abstract type of thinking that biases decisions, based upon feelings and emotions. The Hebrew mindset is very different. Friend, our thoughts are the most powerful forces in the universe. What we think is the motivating power behind everything that takes place. The father of philosophy once said, I think, therefore I am. What we think, what we focus on is what we become, experience, and expect. If we can control our thoughts and get them in line with the word of Aluah (God) then our actions and therefore our life will change. It is time for a filter cleaning! Check Up from the Neck Up To clean our filter and begin the transformation process, we must take off the mind of this world and put on the mind of Mashyach (Christ), 1 Corinthians 2:16. What is the mind of messiah? It is simply the thought process of Aluah (God). It is the way Yahuah (the LORD) thinks. It is the will of Aluah (God), as revealed in the life of the Saviour. This is easy to understand, as we accept the fact the Messiah is the Word made flesh. If the Messiah is the living Word then, to put on the mind of Mashyach (Christ), is to put on the mind of the Word. Word, or the revealed will of Aluah (God), is now the filter through which all thoughts must pass. The Mashyach s (Christ s) mind was the Word made flesh. Now, for the believer, the Word must filter all actions and thoughts. His mind must become our mind; His thoughts our thoughts. Yahusha (Jesus) lived out completely, the divine will of the Almighty. He never sinned. Everything He did was pleasing to the Father. The Redeemer acted out, thought on, taught and brought about the fullness of the Scriptures. If any man is in Messiah he is a new creation, wrote Paul, in 2 Corinthians 5: 17. This newness affects the new or renewed mind that comes about, as we abide in Word. As we press on towards Yahuah s (God s) will, the mind should filter out ideas, theologies, and thoughts that do not line up with the Word, as revealed in the first five books of the Scriptural. This new mind is completely different from what we are accustomed to and may definitely rub us the wrong way, at first. 5
Yet, not renewing the mind is the reason why so many people, have so much difficulty grasping the meaning of the Scriptures. The dilemma is that people are conditioned to think and operate in certain patterns. The pattern of this world is staunchly opposed, and opposite to, the mindset of Yahuah (God) and His word. The world is based on a Western or Hellenistic worldview, while the Scriptural is based upon a Hebraic background. It is simply impossible to properly understand the Scriptures, without a mind-set that promotes knowledge of Scriptural times, the Hebrew language, and Word. Wag the Dog? This is an important subject because the thoughts of the intellect are the force behind the actions and words of every person. Regardless of whether or not we want to accept this fact, we do actually think, before we say or do anything. Indeed, it is impossible to act without thinking. The process is lightning-fast, but our brain commands our every movement and word. The tail does not wag the dog. We do have control over what we say or do, if and only if, we control our thoughts. Today, more than ever, believers are confronted with the challenge of being in the world, and not of it. We have to reject what has always been, in order to discover the way it was meant-tobe. It is this battle over the brain that affects every area of life, from the foods that are eaten to the days that are chosen for worship. Our mind must be renewed or made new, in order to walk in the fullness of the abundant life, promised in the Scriptures. So, how do we do it? How does a follower of the Saviour put on the Messiah s mind? What changes must take place to stop one from being conformed to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of the mind? In his letter to the Romans 12: 2, Paul identified for us how to change. And be not conformed to the pattern of this world: but be transformed by the ongoing renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of Aluah (God). What will it take to adopt the worldview of the Almighty Creator of the universe? Will we accept the challenge to break out of the cocoon of thinking of this world, and flutter like a beautiful butterfly? The Renewal Stool Let us consider that the renewed mind is like a dairy milking stool, one with three legs. The seat of the stool is the Word, as revealed in the first five books of the Scriptural and as interpreted by Yahusha Ha Mashyach (Jesus Christ). Thus the seat, or base of the renewed mind, is the Word. The three legs are the three impact areas that must be considered. Without one of these legs the stool is unbalanced, unable to stand. 6
So, it is really important to grasp all three of these dynamics. Let us not allow the simplicity of these areas fool us. They are easy to understand, yet, they are also easy to misunderstand. The purpose of our discussion is metamorphosis a changing of mind, of actions, and of life. A renewed mind is not a destination of thinking, but a life-long journey of thoughts focused upon Yahuah (God) and His Word. This is just the start, to our mind being renewed and our wings busting out of the cocoon of the world. Things only change, when you change things Change how we communicate 2014 dinner date 7
What s happening here? This is weird? Wrong If your brother sins against you text or email his fault, between you and him alone. If he texts or emails you back, you have gained your brother. Matthew 18:15 Correct If your brother sins against you go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. Matthew 18:15 Let us change the way we communicate with our brothers and sisters in Yahusha (Jesus). Remember Romans 12: 2, And be not conformed to the pattern of this world: but be transformed by the ongoing renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of Aluah (God). BACK 8