by Larry Powers

Created on: September 01, 2009   Last Updated: September 12, 2009

As followers of Jesus, we are adopted as sons and daughters of God and chosen to live differently with a renewed mind in a new kingdom. The Apostle Paul teaches that we will "be transformed by the renewing of ourminds... able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2 NIV)

As we focus upon things that are considered true, noble, pure, lovely, and admirable, this renewing of the mind will be begin to develop (Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV). But this transformation doesn't transpire instantly, for it requires letting go of old habits.

Many facets of our ways of thinking will undergo transformation, but the majority will be relational changes, as we learn to love God and other people. Many of us have been hurt by others and part of this transformation will require learning to trust. Many others have become angry with God over past circumstances; love and trust will not come readily.

Because I lacked a good father figure, I was seeking other men to fill an empty place in my life. As I sought this fatherly acceptance, I was often disappointed - expecting far more than other men could give, which sometimes brought conflict with others. Though it took many years, I finally began to realize the only one able to fill the place of a father-figure was God the Father. Only then could I stop searching for dependency on other men to fill this emptiness.

Over the years, I became a habitual people-pleaser, doing anything to appear good in the eyes of others. But this led to a sense of unhappiness and frustration. I was not being who God created me to be and presented myself as quite needy to others. As I began to change my outlook, I realized that foremost I needed approval from God. I still wrestle with this issue; the need for appreciation and acceptance is deep. But God has shown me that by desiring to please him, I come closer to being the person I am meant to be.

Amy Carmichael, who served as a missionary to India for fifty-six years, wrote, "If I am inconsiderate about the comfort of others, or their feelings, or even of their little weaknesses; if I am careless about their little hurts and miss opportunities to smooth their way; if I make the sweet running of household wheels more difficult to accomplish, then I know nothing of Calvary love." As the transformation of my mind continues, I am learning to relate with people not to please them or to be dependent upon them for acceptance but to see them as God views them.

When we discover that our old ways are ineffective, an understanding of the need for different perspectives develops. God graciously leads us into situations to transform the attitude of our minds. This transformation of the mind is not an easy path. Those who take the journey will be challenged at each new intersection. But along the way, all things will become new.

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