My mother was an exceptional person, a rare gem–she did not deserve a rotter like me. My bad behaviour often drove her to the point where she screamed at me … ‘Change your thinking!’ If I could wind-back the clock, my behaviour would be much different… different enough to keep a smile on her face.

I did not understand what my mother meant by her direction for me to change my thinking. No one had explained to me that ‘my doing’ reflected ‘my thinking.’ Scripture and life experiences have taught me that it is impossible for a person to change their thinking without first changing their mind… the very place where all thoughts are considered and sanctioned for action.

Friends, it is impossible for ‘correctional’ institutions to succeed at reforming offending individuals through forced detention alone… that’s pure punishment, not correction! Indeed, statistics show that our correctional institutions, more than not, succeed in hardening the minds of incarcerated offenders before releasing them back into society. Correction needs a mind change!

Medical science has come a long way in mastering the art of ‘heart change’ procedures. Individuals who qualify can undergo this procedure with confidence that the quality and quantity of their life will be improved. However, medical science has not/will never be able to succeed at mind change procedures!

If ever there was a time when society needed mind changing capability it is right now! Sin affected minds are producing sin affected thinking that is resulting in sin affected actions which in turn exceeds the capacity for police and the judiciary to manage.

An increasing number of determined juveniles are now in control! Communities are no longer family-friendly places to live in. The legal system is losing the battle. Daily, in broad daylight, homes are being invaded… occupants are left traumatized, and motor vehicles stolen for reckless endangerment to other road users. Police are wearing themselves out by pursuing youths who think they have a ‘license to offend’ with little/no criminal liability. The inaction of our judiciary has given rise to militia groups who have decided to address this serious threat albeit to the well-being and security of their families.

Corrective action to this dilemma takes us to the ‘root’ cause. Recorded in the Book of Romans, the apostle Paul sheds light on the natural condition of God-less people. He says that the God-less are ‘degenerate’ (deterioration to lower mental, moral, or physical level—a falling away in quality)! Paul explains this CAUSE…

“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God. Yes, they knew God, but they would not worship Him as God or even give Him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools” (1:20-22). THEIR MINDS BECAME DARK AND CONFUSED!

“Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, He abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done” (vv. 28). THEY REJECTED GOD… HE ABANDONED THEM!

Friends, for the first 26-years of my life my mind was darkened and confused as my life was devoid of God. On my best day, with a darkened and confused mind, my life was no better than an accident looking for a new place to happen! I knew no better! However, I was fortunate to experience correction through surrendering my life to God. Further on in the Book of Romans, Paul highlights the CORRECTIONhumanity needs… He says,

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Rom. 12:1-2).

Correction of a person’s thinking results from the renewal of their mind. Our God is ‘the’ Transformation Specialist through renewing corrupt minds. While God is skilled at mind-changing, it is up to you and me to willingly “present our bodies” to Him.

Long ago, contemporary society rejected God. The out-of-control lawlessness we see today is the fruit of that rejection. No matter what the judicial system does, their best efforts will fail and society will continue to pay the price.

Friends, is it time for a change of thinking? Are you in need of mind-change surgery? Surrendering your life to God is needed for Him to transform the way you think and live. No person can ‘live’ without the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16).

Bill