As we contemplate the God-centered values we espouse for Africa’s leadership as AFReG, we realize that change in all of us is imperative if these are to become a reality. In this series of devotions, we consider several topics under the general theme – “Changing Against the Tide” based on Romans 12:1-2. With transformation, everything changes. Through the transformative power of the Gospel, grace through faith and the Holy Spirit’s enablement, this change becomes a reality. Journey with us as we look at where it all began, why there is such inertia to change – our consideration today, why we should change, how we change and how this change can be sustained to become a legacy for generations to come.

Romans 12:1-2

Therefore, I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 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.

Lasting change goes deeper than structural, systems and behavioral reforms. The structures and systems that we observe are a result of what was imagined in the minds of people. To recreate them also requires changing the minds of people. What is in the minds of people is organized within the intellectual infrastructural framework of worldviews. Changing a situation requires the transformation of worldviews. Worldviews are in turn based on a constellation of mindsets; that is perspectives and persuasions that the mind has settled on. Because these persuasions and perspectives took time to develop, people are not inclined to changing them. Change therefore must overcome inertia due to the lack of willingness to revise past convictions, and the stubborn persistence of existing habits. People need to be convinced of both the possibility and benefits of change.

The Spirit working through the Apostle Paul, commands us to be transformed by the renewing of our mindsets. As we look at the rest of the passages that follow the instructions in the first two verses of Romans 12, we realize that mindset transformation will impact our relationships with

1. Other believers (Romans 12:9-13)
2. The general public (Romans 12:14-21)
3. Other communities within the body of Christ that have beliefs that are different from ours (Romans 14)
4. Government and other human authorities (Romans 13:1-7)

The renewing of the mind is therefore the means to holistic transformation that impacts the spiritual, social, and material dimensions of life.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we offer our bodies today as living sacrifices – as is pleasing to you – in holiness. Cleanse us from every sin – in thought, word and deed; from sins of omission and commission. Give us eyes to see where we have resisted Your counsel and stubbornly continued in ways contrary to Your will and way.