In the transformation process, conversion is the first step: turning away from sin and turning back to God.  Conversion presumes true initial and on-going repentance for sin. Conversion opens us to the life of sanctifying grace, which is sharing God’s life as adopted sons and daughters. Initial conversion must be sustained by further purification of areas of sin in our lives which limit the depth and intensity of our life with God. This purification takes place through the healing of memories, scared by previous sins–our own and those of others. The focus is the uprooting of sin from our lives.

There is a point in our journey when, while we continue to deal with sin, it is not the focus of our efforts. We become more concerned about replacing the negative influence of sin with the positive influence of life in Christ.  This process is described by Paul in this way: “You must lay aside your former way of life and the old self which deteriorates through illusion and desire, and acquiring a fresh, spiritual way of thinking. You must put on that new man created in God’s image, whose justice and holiness are born of truth.” (Eph 4:22-24)

It is the call to put on the mind of Christ. To think as Christ would think; to choose as Christ would choose; to be renewed in our minds. Where to begin? Paul says that we are to grow in our ability “to bring every thought into captivity to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Cor 10:5) We have no control over what comes into our mind, the thoughts we think. But we do have control of what we do once we become conscious of our thoughts. The rule of thumb we are to follow is spelled out by Paul: “Your thoughts should be wholly directed to all that is true, all that deserves respect, all that is honest, pure, admirable, decent, virtuous, or worthy of praise.” (Phil 4:9) What is not, is to be filtered out. We know what would happen to the air in our house if it is not filtered. The same is true with the air of our spiritual life. If we don’t take captive the thoughts which are not in harmony with our relationship with Christ, then we will become captive by these thoughts and their consequential actions. (To be continued)