Throughout the history of the church, there has been a
debate about the place of the mind in Christian discipleship. Some have argued
that we need to get beyond the frailties of human thought and open our minds to
spiritual realities that can’t be humanly comprehended. Others argue the
opposite, the true discipleship begins with cramming our minds full of facts
and theological constructs so we can get a full grasp on divine reality.
Neither of these ideas are correct-or incorrect. What is
missing is the balance between them. In today’s passage, we are told that
spiritual transformation begins by a “renewing” of our mind. This doesn’t mean
finding a new and different way for our minds to function, nor does it mean to
simply add more information to what we already know. Paul is calling for us to
change both the way we think and the content of our thought.
The Greek word for “renewing” is only used twice in the
New Testament, both times by Paul. It is used here and in Titus 3:5, where it
is used of the “renewal” of the Holy Spirit that results in salvation. The
underlying thought is that if we wish to be renewed, we must be reborn as new
creations in Christ. Changing your mind isn’t enough; you need to use your mind
in a new way.
That’s why you can’t argue a person into the kingdom of
Christ. I am a firm believer in the necessity and value of apologetics, the
area of study that defends the truth of our faith. For many people, there are
questions they need answered to open them up to a confrontation with the
gospel. But the arguments themselves don’t bring people to Jesus without the renewal
that only comes through the Holy Spirit. Changing a mind requires a change of
heart.
Even after we come in faith to Jesus, we need to
continually sacrifice ourselves daily and seek that renewal. I would love to
tell you that a Christian mind comes automatically with salvation, but the Bible
teaches us that it is a lifelong process. (That’s part of the main theme of
these 30 days, by the way.)
One of my favorite prayers from the Book of Common Prayer
is the Collect for the Second Sunday in Advent, a prayer for the Word of God to
change us. The language is a little old-fashioned, but the point is well made: “Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures
to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read,
mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy
Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life,
which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.” As we
allow the Word to enter us and change us, we will gain hope and peace through
the Savior it reveals to us.
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