The world tells us to live solely for ourselves and our own pleasures. According to the world, whatever seems right to us is, indeed, right. Scripture teaches the exact opposite. In a world where everyone lives for themselves, Christ followers are called to live lives that are set apart for Christ, starting with the way we think. If we want to love God with our minds, we must think differently, living solely for Christ and no one else, not even ourselves.
The apostle Paul wrote about our calling to live differently from the rest of the world in Romans 12. He ended chapter 11 with this powerful statement: For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory to Him forever! Amen” (verse 36). In light of the truth that everything was created by God and comes from Him, Paul began Romans 12 with the words, “I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him” (verse 1). Because we were made to bring God glory, our calling is to worship Him with our entire lives. One way we do this is by loving Him with our minds. That is why Paul continued saying, “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” (verse 2). We worship God by refusing to live, or even think, like this world, but instead to live differently, including how we think, which motivates everything we say and do. How do we do this? We focus on the truth of God’s word, which transforms us from the inside out. In 2nd Timothy 3, another book of the Bible written by Paul, we learn about how God’s word impacts us. Paul wrote in this passage of Scripture, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work” (verses 16-17). God’s word not only guides us but also changes our hearts so that we live in a way that honors Him.
If we want to love God with our mind, we have to think, act, and live differently from the rest of the world. We have to focus on Scripture and let God’s word change us. As our minds are focused on Him and our actions change as a result, we will reflect Him to everyone around us.
Is there any part of your life that still looks like the world around you, whether it is the way you talk, think, or act? Confess that area to God now. Ask Him to renew your mind so that every part of your life reflects Him and Him alone.
“God, as I seek to let go of the things of this world and to set my mind on You, I confess…”
1And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 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.
3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,
“I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,”
says the Lord.
20 Instead,
“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
burning coals of shame on their heads.”
21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
