Renewing of My Mind as a Leader (by Shan Caldwell)

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV) Have you ever bought something that didn’t live up to its promises? Straight out of college I purchased an indoor cross-country ski machine for the living room of my apartment. It was going to transform me into a healthy beast and bring me happiness. All it did was make me miserable and tick off the older woman in the apartment below mine.

While we know that the Apostle Paul called us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, we may forget God’s transforming tool. I want to remind us of something that will better our lives and help us develop stronger relationships. This tool will enable us to be a kinder and more peaceful people. It will enable us to make wise decisions, give a purpose for living, and help us live obedient lives. This tool does not cost us three easy installments of $19.99, nor will any salesperson call. There are billions of satisfied customers, and it has changed more lives than Weight Watchers and Dr. Phil combined. This tool is the word of God. Scripture says we have a choice. We can live our lives based on worldly standards or upon God’s wisdom. The primary way to find this wisdom is through Scripture.

Study of Scripture is basic to the Christian faith! Yet how often do we neglect reading and praying over God’s word? In his farewell to the Ephesian elders, Paul wrote, “I entrust you to God and His care and to His wonderful words that are able to build your faith and give you all the inheritance of those who are set apart for Himself” (Acts 20:32 TLB). Good preaching, a good podcast, a mentor, a small group, and a good book will strengthen your faith, but there is no substitute for us personally digging into Scripture, hearing God speak, and praying for power to make the application into our lives. God also promised his word would guide our decisions. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105 NIV). Leaders can make decisions much like a blind man hoping to find the door. The word of God is a light to our paths.

God’s word reveals his will. Praise God! God promised spending time in his word will bring godly success. Joshua instructed the Israelites: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8 NIV). God’s definition of success involves right living, peaceful relationships, and unity with God and people. God promised spending time in his word will change our hearts. “For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are” (Hebrews 4:12 NLT). God describes his word as a knife used to cut away what is not important. Allow the Holy Spirit to use the scripture to cut away the “clutter” from our hearts that may hinder our obedience.

Christian leaders have a responsibility to be deeply connected to God through his word. Study for a sermon does not necessarily benefit the leader. We can be thinking of members who might “need to hear this,” and be blind to our needs. We should also consider our personal lives. Allow the word to renew your mind. Peter writes “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” Again, to consume God’s word is not the end target. We must apply what we read. “Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are or what they look like” (James 1:22-24 MSG). If we consider our level of spiritual maturity, we will ask ourselves the question, are we putting God’s word into action? When somebody hurts us, how do we respond? When others succeed, what do we say or do? When another is in financial need, how do we react? Spiritual warfare is real, and we are under attack. The primary weapon in the devil’s arsenal is the temptation to rely on our wisdom versus God’s. Let us throw away the old ski machine and allow God’s word to change us. The Apostle Paul wrote, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6 NLT).

Shan Caldwell Executive Pastor, The Creek Indianapolis, IN.  I started at The Creek on the fourth of July in 2004. In my position, I get to see and hear stories almost every day of how God is doing amazing things in the lives of those around me. I used to have my pilot’s license and enjoyed skydiving before I got smart. I love Biblical archaeology, hiking in the mountains, Disney, the St. Louis Cardinals, and my family.