Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Years ago we had a house fire. I never liked the kitchen galley we had and took the opportunity to design a whole new open floor plan kitchen. We made all the decisions and we ended up with what we wanted.

That is not what happens in Romans 12:2 in the way of renewing of your mind. Yes it is a renovation but it is more like the television show Flip or Flop. The couple buy into the renovation but then leave and have nothing to do with the project. Everything is left in the hands of the contractors, the flippers.

The flippers discover and handle problems. They strip out the rotten and replace with healthy. They deal with everything that is a problem and bring the structure up to code. This is more than just throwing a fresh coat of paint but rather stripping everything down to the bones and making everything sound.

Once we have accepted Jesus Christ into our hearts the renovation process begins. We do not move out but the Holy Spirit goes about doing the same thing in our minds like the flippers. The first thing that has to happen is exposure of weaknesses, rotten attitudes and habits. These are foundational problems that prevent us from presenting our new image which is Christ in us.

In many ways I’d like to hang a sign around my neck at times which says “under new management, excuse the mess while we renovate”. While I have been pleased with what has been changed so far He is not through with my renovation.

Perfection coming soon.

1 Corinthians 15:1-2 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

The past few days I have been pointing towards attitude and behaviors which must change to have this abundant life in Christ. Paul reminds us in Romans 10:9 that we are saved by believing with our hearts but the depository of memory is the mind. That is the same place in which decisions are made according to beliefs.

Paul as architect of the church is tasked with instructing all believers on how the body of Christ acts in a bond of peace, which is a clear sign of hearts captivated by Christ. While this is true and necessary it is also true that these minds that are being changed are also the repository of emotions.

I have experienced firsthand that emotions outlast rational justification. You can determine what you need to forgive and let go of in your mind but the emotions associated with those events holds a special place hidden from rational thought.

Keeping our emotions in check is not an easy task. We need superhuman help. Thank God we have a superhuman on the right hand throne of God. Being fully God and fully human Christ not only know exactly how we feel, He also knows how to deal with it.

I am convinced in my mind that the Christ that dwells within me can deal with anything that I am going through physically, mentally and emotionally. All He has ever asked of me is to be honest with myself and to submit to His leading. I do not have to know the course to believe the pilot of my craft is the infallible God who created me with purpose.