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
A vow renewal is a celebratory ceremony for a married couple to reaffirm their commitment to each other. It helps to strengthen the confidence of the married couple about their covenantal agreement to each other unto death. They are especially popular on milestone anniversaries (10, 25, or 50 years); however, there is no rule as to when to have one.
In today’s text, Paul exhorts believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. This spiritual renewal is the believer’s way of reaffirming their commitment to God. It helps to strengthen their relationship with the Almighty and gives them the faith to endure hardships throughout their Christian journey.
The Church of Jesus Christ needs to be renewed for its mission. Our mission is to do the great commission work of Jesus Christ and prepare this world for the return of Jesus Christ. This renewal requires we examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith. We must test ourselves spiritually and ascertain the level of our commitment to Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Then we will be able to test and approve God’s will.
The life of Christian discipleship can be challenging. Many have abandoned the Christian faith because they have forsaken the love they had at first for Jesus and allow their passion for His great commission work to wane. Others succumbed to the temptations of this world and turned back to their sinful ways.
God has made an everlasting investment in our eternal future through the death of Jesus Christ. The return on that investment is our surrender to His will and our commitment to His kingdom work. Renewing for mission is a reminder to ourselves that we were bought with a price, therefore, we should honor God with our lives. (1 Corinthians 6:20). It is realigning our personal agenda with God’s kingdom agenda.
One of the many benefits of corporate worship is the reminder that God has placed other believers in our Christian journey to help us finish the race and receive our crown. Every time I attend corporate worship, I feel renewed for the mission of spreading the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Indeed, the assembly of believers is like an automated external defibrillator (AED) that delivers an electric shock to our souls to restore our spiritual heart rhythm to normal.
Renewal for mission begins with developing a prayer life. It also helps to set time aside for daily devotion and meditation on the word of God. The believer who wants to be renewed for mission must be outreach focused. Part of the mission is to help others experience the love of Christ through our ministry to those in need. The mission is also about winning souls for Christ. This is done by sharing our testimonies and letting our Christian light so shine for others to see the Christ in us.
If you feel spiritually disconnected you need to be renewed for mission. When your passion for corporate worship and for investing in the kingdom of God by serving others, you need to be renewed for mission. Those who are struggling with their prayer lives and are becoming indifferent to God’s divine instructions in the Bible need to be renewed for mission.
Questions for Personal Reflection
What does it mean to be renewed for mission?
How do you know if you are renewed for mission?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, I thank you for being such a patient and loving God. May your Holy Spirit continue to deliver an electric shock to my soul to restore my spiritual heart rhythm to normal whenever my love for you is waning.
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