For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. - Romans 11:36, 12:1
Paul starts chapter 12 with a challenging response - therefore, transform. Since all things are for God's glory, (Romans 11:36) our only response must be to give ourselves. We must offer ourselves back to God and allow Him through his mercies to change us, to completely transform us into His likeness. This is an extreme expression of worship that is our privilege.
We who are Christ's have been given all through His saving grace. We have been equipped to be acceptable to God. Paul challenges the Romans and us to transform, to completely change how we live our life. Our entire being should be an outpouring of worship, literally a living sacrifice continually offered to God.
This complete life change is made possible through the "renewing of our mind." How we think affects how we live. What we put into our mind affects how we think. A daily dose of God's Word, spending time with Him in prayer, gleaning what He has to say - these are the keys to a renewed mind.
"We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ." - 2 Corinthians 10:5. By taking our thoughts captive, by bringing our thoughts in line with Christ's thoughts, we allow Him to control our mind and guide our steps. When we refresh our thinking with God's Word and are filled with Him, we are able to discern "what is good and acceptable and perfect."
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