Renewing the Mind: Sharpening Your Sword

God’s Promise:

Romans 12:2 – “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.”

Renewing – Transforming Through Love

There was a time when I thought I was ready to lead in the church—maybe even step into pastoral ministry. The desire was there. The intention was good. But deep down, I carried a burden that I couldn’t quite shake: I felt unworthy to serve.

For years, I served actively, yet something in my heart resisted stepping further. It wasn’t until recently that I realized the problem. I had been measuring my worthiness to serve through the lens of my own failures and shortcomings rather than through God’s grace. I was looking at myself through the darkness of man instead of the light of Christ. That was a turning point.

Then, in 2022 and 2023, I sought opportunities to serve in a pastoral leadership role, trusting God’s direction—only to find doors closed. The interviews felt less like opportunities and more like interrogations of my faith, my past, and my walk with God. I left those moments thanking God for shutting those doors, though at the time, I didn’t fully understand why. Still, I prayed for renewal—asking God not only to renew my mind but my heart and soul.

Fast forward to 2024. I was certain I had finally found my calling: missionary work in Thailand. Everything seemed to align. The mission was noble, the role was clear, and I had every reason to believe this was God’s answer. But as I moved forward, an unexpected burden weighed on my heart—something didn’t feel right.

Then came the moment of truth.

One evening, my daughter came to me and said, “I am feeling bitter with you.”

STOP!   Did you feel that…?  It was as if she had driven a dagger into my heart.

We had a long, honest conversation, and through her words, I realized that my zeal to serve had overshadowed my first calling—to shepherd my family. That day, I made the painful but necessary decision to withdraw from the missionary journey.

That conversation was more than just an eye-opener; it was a renewal. I had been grieving the Holy Spirit by chasing my own desire to serve rather than listening to God’s true calling for me. In stepping back, I experienced a deeper renewal in my relationship with God and my family.

Renewing the mind is not a one-time event—it is a lifelong journey. I used to think I was wise and mature, but through this process, God showed me how much I still have to learn. True renewal means allowing God to continually shape us, to strip away our self-centered thinking, and to replace it with His truth.

Men, God desires to bring you closer to Him, and if you think you’re already close enough—watch out. He will find ways to pull you even nearer. Renewal is not comfortable, but it is necessary. It’s a daily sharpening, a refining of our thoughts, our desires, and our purpose.

Renewing your mind is like sharpening your sword.
A knight would never go into battle with a dull blade, and neither should we. Every day, we must sharpen our minds with God’s Word, surround ourselves with accountability, and submit our thoughts to Him. One day, this discipline may be the very thing that saves not only our own lives but the lives of those we love.

Shepherding in Action: Today’s Value

Renewal strengthens our character by keeping us dependent on God’s wisdom rather than our own, allowing us to lead with clarity and purpose.

Reflection Questions:

1. When was the last time you felt God leading you in a different direction than you expected? How did you respond?
2. Are there areas in your life where you are resisting renewal? What might God be trying to transform?
3. How can you intentionally sharpen your mind daily, ensuring that you lead your family with God’s wisdom?

Bible References:

• Romans 12:2 – “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.”
• 2 Corinthians 4:16 – “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”
• Colossians 3:10 – “And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”

A Prayer for the Man of the Shepherd

Father, renew my mind daily. Strip away my own desires and replace them with Your will. Help me to see where I need to grow, and give me the courage to follow where You lead. May my leadership in my home be a reflection of Your love and wisdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

My Personal Journey

These weekday reflections flow from my time in God’s Word. I invite you to join me and other Men of the Shepherd in building Christ-centered homes—leading, discipling, and serving like Jesus. If these reflections encourage you, please like, share, and pass them on so more men can grow in their calling.

To follow along with the weekday readings, check out our Weekday Reflections Playlist on YouTube or subscribe to the YouTube channel here.

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