How to Have Lasting Change in Life

In Romans 12:2 I read, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (NIV)

To have lasting change in my life, I need to refocus my mind. Specifically, I need to change my thought patterns away from what I don’t want to focus on and toward what I do want to focus on. Because whatever I focus on is what my mind moves toward.

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2 NIV). This is the blueprint I’ll need in order to change my thought patterns. It breaks down like this:

“Do not conform.” How often do I let others shape my life? God doesn’t want me to be like someone else; he wants me to be the person he made me to be. So don’t copy, don’t conform, don’t try to be like anyone else.

“The pattern of this world.” Pattern means the model of everything I’ve learned in life so far. If I want to change, I have to change my pattern, or model of living, that I’ve learned in my life. I need to replace the old, unhealthy pattern with a new one modeled after the life of Christ.

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Transformed is the same as the word used for metamorphosis, the process a caterpillar goes through to become a butterfly. In the same way, God wants to transform me into a completely new person by renewing my mind.

How does this happen? The Bible tells you in Ephesians 4:22-24 “to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (NIV).

This means I need to do some putting off and do some putting on, and the putting off has to happen before the putting on can begin. It’s just like trying on clothes in a department store. Before I can try on the new stuff, I have to take off the old stuff.

I can start today by beginning to let go of the old attitudes, thought patterns, and images I’ve been living with. Then get ready to put on the new garments God has for me.

In summary, I shouldn’t conform to the pattern of this world, rather I should be transformed by the renewing of my mind. To have lasting change, I need to refocus my mind. Specifically, to change my thought patterns away from what I don’t want to focus on and toward what I do want to focus on. Because whatever I focus on is what my mind moves toward. Romans 12:2 is the blueprint I should use in order to change my thought patterns. In breaking this verse down it says, “Do not conform.” I need to consider how often I let others shape my life? God doesn’t want me to be like someone else; he wants me to be the person he made me to be. So don’t try to be like anyone else. “The pattern of this world,” refers to the model of everything I’ve learned in life so far. If I want to change, I have to change my pattern, or model of living. Replace the old, unhealthy pattern with a new one modeled after the life of Christ. Lastly, “Be transformed by the renewing of my mind.” God wants to transform me into a completely new person by renewing my mind. This happens by putting off my old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; so that I can be made new in the attitude of my mind; and to put on the new self, created to be like God. This means I need to do some putting off and do some putting on, and the putting off has to happen before the putting on can begin. I can start today by beginning to let go of the old attitudes, thought patterns, and images I’ve been living with. Then get ready to put on the new garments God has for me.

I am to not copy the behavior and customs of this world, which is selfish and corrupting. My refusal to conform must go even deeper than just behavior and customs, it must be firmly planted in values rooted in my mind. Only when the Holy Spirit renews, reeducates, and redirects my mind am I truly transformed.

Father, thank you for Your Word and Jesus as my savior and example. You want me and I need you in my life. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can always believe in, have faith in and can trust you in everything. This includes being the authority for my life, the source of my self-worth and my hope for the future. You have my best interests in mind. So I ask you to help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. Help me to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me. 

Today, I ask for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, doing well and making a difference in my new job.  I pray all these things through you Son Jesus’ name, Amen.