Reform: A Complete Renewal of Heart, Mind and Life
The word “reform” speaks of a thorough reshaping — not merely a surface adjustment, but a deep realignment of life around Christ. Scripture presents this change as repentance, renewal, and the daily putting off of the old self in order to walk in the newness of life.
The Call to Repent and Be Changed
Becoming a Christian should bring a total change to our actions and lifestyle through repentance and walking in the newness of life, with the new heart-nature God gives and the Holy Spirit within (Ezek 11:19, 36:26; 1 Cor 6:19; 2 Cor 5:17).
We need a total makeover, putting to death whatever is of the old life
The Bible describes this as changing our clothes — putting off the old fleshly nature and putting on the new nature of Christ. If we put to death the misdeeds of the body we will live (Rom 8:13; Eph 4:22-24; Col 3:5,8-10). This requires determination, consistency and self-discipline to deal with the old life.
However, this exchange must be more than an external makeover; it is to encompass every deep-down part of us. We were slaves to sin, now we must take personal responsibility to say ‘No’ to fleshly lusts that conflict with what we know is right (Rom 6:4,11-13; Tit 2:12; 1 Pet 2:11).
Responding to the Spirit and Living for Christ
True reform calls for consistent effort and an immediate response to the Holy Spirit’s conviction. When He points out what is wrong, we dare not postpone obedience or make excuses. Delay hardens the heart, while prompt surrender keeps our conscience tender and our walk fresh (Isa 55:6; Acts 24:25; Heb 3:13,15).
Respond to the Spirit’s conviction immediately, with consistent effort and no excuses
The life from Christ is to be outworked in our lives and experience; it is not sufficient merely to give passive, mental agreement to intellectual ideals. While our spirit is willing, the carnal nature does not like submitting (Mt 26:41). Therefore we must acknowledge our dependence on Christ, pray for help, and develop a tender conscience.
We choose which route we travel: either the easy option that most people take, which ends in destruction, or the harder life of sacrifice and living for Jesus, which ends in eternal life. We will reap what we sow (Mt 7:13-14; Rom 13:14; Gal 5:16, 6:7-8).
Our lives will be transformed as our minds are renewed, with our thought patterns and attitudes coming more into alignment with His standards — a process which continues for the remainder of our lives on earth (Rom 12:1-2).
This improvement will have a far-reaching effect on us, and in turn those we come in contact with, as we come to more closely resemble our Master (Rom 8:29).
Reform is not a single decisive moment after which we simply maintain status quo. It is a lifelong journey of being continually shaped by God. The apostle Paul reminds us that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:6). God initiates, sustains and finishes what He starts, if we cooperate with Him.
Trust the One who began the work to keep maturing you day by day
Because this work is ongoing, we should expect seasons of fresh conviction, new areas of surrender, and deeper levels of obedience. We are called to “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose” (Phil 2:12-13). His grace enables what His command requires.
Reflection and Application:
- What areas of your life still need to be surrendered to Christ’s transforming work?
- How can you cooperate with the Holy Spirit in putting off old habits this week?
- What does “renewing your mind” look like in your daily routine?
- Who around you might be encouraged as they see Christ being formed in you?