Transformed Menنموونە

Transformed Minds

Dan Pelzer may not be a household name, but he became a popular internet story after passing away on July 1, 2025, at age 92.

Pelzer left his loved ones a 109-page handwritten list of nearly 4,000 books he had read since 1962, over 60 years. That’s more than 60 books a year! He started keeping the list when he was stationed in Nepal as a Peace Corps volunteer and maintained it until the end of his reading days in 2023, long after he retired from his job as a social worker at an Ohio juvenile correctional facility. This man had an incredible passion for reading, learning, and growth.

Dan broke the non-reading male stereotype and showed a passion for lifelong learning. From his example, we can learn to read deeply and broadly—covering theology, history, fiction, biography, and, of course, the Bible. Wholesome and godly content can expand our minds and transform our thinking.

Paul explained to the Roman church that transforming our person into Christ's likeness is closely tied to renewing our minds and aligning our thoughts with His. Men’s minds are battlegrounds, where worry, lust, negativity, and pride all dwell. Loving God with our minds involves shaping our thinking with His truth instead of lies.

In this age of information overload, we are constantly bombarded with things that shape our thoughts—such as podcasts, streaming services, network news, and social media. Online algorithms are designed to draw us into feeds filled with marketing, influencers, and content creators, which can trap us in echo chambers centered around specific perspectives, political views, ideologies, or the latest conspiracy theories.

Even when we don’t realize it, we are being manipulated by these forces and sold a bill of goods that often distorts our thinking. Spiritual formation involves editing and auditing every voice that could prevent our minds from becoming like Jesus. He is the ultimate authority on reality, and His Word alone serves as the litmus test for truth.

Jesus demonstrated what it means to love God with your mind: He knew Scripture, responded to temptation with truth, and kept His thoughts centered on the Father’s will.

Men, your thought life matters. What you feed your mind shapes your life. God wants to develop in you a Christ-like way of thinking: wholly surrendered, truth-centered, Spirit-discerned, and hope-filled.

Prayer: Lord, renew my mind. Help me to know Your will, think Your thoughts, and reject the lies of the enemy. Amen.

Reflection: Which external voices are gaining the most attention and shaping your mind? Evaluate your media intake compared to the time you dedicate to God’s Word, prayer, or meaningful conversations rooted in faith. Is there a gap? Read or listen to a book or podcast that aims to strengthen your faith. Write down one way you can invite God to reshape your thoughts.