Read: Romans 12:1-2
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).
Consecration Brings Significant Change
Today’s educator defines learning as a change resulting from experience. In these terms we may say that entire sanctification is a significant change that occurs in me as a result of a specific kind of experience with God. What is that change? What kind of experience brings it about?
From the psychological standpoint entire sanctification is having the inner core of myself so changed that I have a maximum openness to the will of God. This is the experience for which Paul prays in our text, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
The unrenewed mind chooses its own way in preference to God’s way. The transformed mind subordinates itself to God’s will. The decisive issue in our walk with God is whether He is to have His way in our lives, in every area. Paul urges: “I plead with you.., to present all your faculties to Him as a living and holy sacrifice” (Romans 12:1, Weymouth).
Are there specific area where I resent God’s interference in my plans? The reality of my surrender is often measured by the fight that I put up at these points. It is easy to surrender what I don’t care about — and that surrender doesn’t change me much. It is hard to surrender where I really care-but this is the surrender that counts.
We cannot transform ourselves in this way any more than we can forgive our own sins. But we are able to set the stage so that God can do this for us. Am I ready to offer this prayer?
Give me a new, a perfect heart, From doubt, and fear, and sorrow free; The mind which was in Christ impart, And let my spirit cleave to Thee.
— Wesley’s Hymns