Ephesians 4:22
…and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind…
It is possibly the most difficult principle to keep, yet one of the most dangerous to break. The road we must take to a renewed mind is narrow and long. Filled with bottomless holes, dangerous traps and merciless thieves, one must keep closely to his heart discipline, awareness, and a consistent trust in the Lord. This renewal and transformation we are longing for is a painful and often lonely experience. Even so, it would be foolish for a child of the Living God to travel any other path. We are warned to not allow ourselves to be comforted to the ways of this world, but rather, to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2). The Lord has reminded us that while we may still be in this world, we are to not be considered a product or a participator in its ways. While the road to renewal may be difficult and painful, any other road for the Christian is deadly.
The disciplines witnessed in the life of Jesus are foundational to anyone desiring to make it down the path of renewal. Prayer no longer becomes a compartmentalized section of the day. Rather than being tacked on for five minutes at the beginning or the end of our Monday through Friday, prayer becomes interwoven into every aspect of life. It is no longer a maybe, but a must. Time spent in the Word of God will become valued and regarded as a priority rather than an obligation. To travel the road of transformation and renewal is to become disciplined in all areas of life.
Neither can one who hopes to avoid the many dangerous traps live in ignorance or naivety to their surroundings. Never forget that this world is not our home. We are strangers and pilgrims traveling through a foreign land. Once given in to the lusts and the desires of the world around us, we will look down to no longer find the road of renewal under our feet, but rather, the road of conformity. It is deceitful and charming; one rarely remembers how he arrived or for how long he’s been there. To remain aware we must continually set our minds on things above and not on the things here on earth (Col. 3:2).
Finally, I urge you to never take your faith and trust off the Lord. I pray that your spiritual eyes would remain steadfast on Him. As stated before, one who truly desires to travel safely down the path of transformation and renewal must be aware of its many dangers. Only those who trust the Lord to guide their steps will finish the race without hesitation or failure. He is our source of strength and wisdom. Let Him be your only guide.
I agree that the road to renewal is often difficult and lonely. It is so sad to see your loved ones choose the road of conformity, even though they know that it is dangerous.