Continually renew your mind

“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

In an article posted in Runners World subtitled, “Here’s another reason to go for a run in the fresh air when you can,” the author wrote: As runners, we all enjoy the sun on our face and wind in our hair. Now, according to recent research published in The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry, we can add an increase in grey matter to the benefits of a run outside, because logging your miles in the fresh air literally remodels your brain. The researchers found that, regardless of all the other factors, time outdoors—even small amounts—was linked to greater grey matter volume in the DLPFC part of the brain. The more time outdoors, the higher the grey matter. “Our results show that our brain structure and mood improve when we spend time outdoors. This most likely also affects concentration, working memory, and the psyche as a whole,” Simone Kühn, Ph.D., head of the Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development and lead author of the study, said in a press release. Wow! Improved brain structure and mood? Is that a great reason to get outside or what?

And you know, when it comes to the structure of our brains and the patterns of our thoughts, the Bible clearly tells us that you and I are not to “conform to the pattern of this world” but to be “transformed by the renewing of” our minds. That means that we are NOT to think or behave according to the world's socially acceptable conventions or standards, but to think and behave according to God’s perfect and acceptable standards set forth in the Word—standards that we must study and meditate on daily so that we will “be able to test and approve what God’s will is" and follow it. Doing so will not only improve our mood (living for Christ always does) but will set us apart as believers; something this world needs to see now more than ever.

So resign yourself to be set apart my friend... in your thoughts, in your actions, and in your speech. Spend time in prayer, Bible study and meditation daily so that your mind will be continually renewed and you will be further and further transformed into the image of Christ... an image others will see and be drawn to.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are not to be like the world in any way, shape or form. Give us such a yearning for your Word each and every day that training in it would be our first priority, training that would set us apart. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!