Christianity was supposed to be about becoming like Jesus. We went in the wrong direction.
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Chapter 16 - The Renewed Mind

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. - Ephesians 4:22-24

A pivotal point in the transition from the flesh to the Spirit (from selfishness to selflessness) is the renewal of our mind. This is essentially a software change. The values we held in our mind to serve the flesh are replaced with ones that serve the Spirit. For example, we may have looked at a young woman immodestly dressed to stimulate the flesh by lusting after her. A renewed mind might observe the same woman and feel sorrow for one so desperate for attention.

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; - 1 Peter 1:13-15

Each observation and judgment we make is accumulated in our heart. Our heart accumulates these and inclines us in a certain direction in life. A mind that has not been 'renewed' may continue to pour into the heart observations as to the value of things in terms of how well they stimulate self. A renewed mind will start to fill the heart with observations about what is true. This truth versus feeling orientation is a key distinction.

That each one of you should know how to possess (control, manage) his own body in consecration (purity, separated from things profane) and honor, Not [to be used] in the passion of lust like the heathen, who are ignorant of the true God and have no knowledge of His will, - 1 Thessalonians 4:4-5

The backslider in heart [from God and from fearing God] shall be filled with [the fruit of] his own ways, and a good man shall be satisfied with [the fruit of] his ways [with the holy thoughts and actions which his heart prompts and in which he delights]. - Proverbs 14:14 AMP

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: - Proverbs 23:7a

There is that about renewal that requires our appeal to God.

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. - Psalm 51:10

There is also that in regard to renewal that requires our effort.

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. - Romans 12:2

There is a picture of a continuing process of renewal.

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. - 2 Corinthians 4:16

  

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