Renew Your Mind Conference

Pictured above in the yellow sweater is Pastor Wayne Taylor of Calvary Chapel in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. Once again this year, Taylor's church hosted a one-day men's conference. This year's event, held on January 22, featured the theme: "Renew Your Mind."

It was a memorable day, most likely a life-changing day for many in the audience of 1,000.

Paul tells us in Colossians 3:1-4: "...set your heart on things above" and "...set your mind on things above."

In Romans 8:5-6, he reminds us: "Those who live according to the sinful nature (the way of the world) have their minds set on what nature desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of the sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace..."
Finally, in Romans 12:1-2: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world (anti-God), 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."

A day-long program featuring four main speakers poses the risk of "overload," and subject matter such as hypocrisy, lust and greed could lead to a sense of deep sorrow, even despair.

But godly men such as those who spoke at the Renew Your Mind conference met those risks head-on by making clear their complete reliance on / allegiance to Jesus Christ. Satan still seeks to devour and kill, but we were reminded again and again that he is defeated and has no power over us. As followers of Christ, we walk out this life as co-heirs in His victory over death, trading our temporary address for an eternal home in Heaven.

Pastor David Guzik, our first speaker, reminded his audience that God is seeking after EVERYONE. Speaker Donny Pauling emphasized: "There is NOTHING you can do to change the fact that God loves you and desires eternal relationship with you." Pastor Raul Ries cautioned: "There are heavy days ahead. DON'T COMPROMISE. Wash your mind daily with the word." And his son Ryan denounced the Christian's inclination to "pose," foolishly attempting to "serve God" in one setting and fleshly desires in another. "I'm afraid the church is raising up pussycats," he said, "when we need WARRIORS and LIONS."

Despite life testimonies that included many ugly chapters, God reminded me repeatedly in the course of the day that He is greater than any power on earth. Regardless of each person's past, God the Father comes running when His prodigal (me!) returns! There is nothing more radical than God's love.

We can renew our minds, Guzik reminded us, in part by making the choice to spend time in God's word, even praying for a greater love for it. We can't stifle fleeting thoughts, he said, but he then quoted Martin Luther regarding how we can respond to those thoughts in a godly manner: "I can't control birds flying over my head. But I can keep them from building nests in my hair!"

Don't live an undecided life. Rebel against the world, against Satan's desire to shove you into the world's mold. Answer the Holy Spirit's call to a place of decision, and choose Christ over self. God alone can renew our minds.