The greatest attack against the body of Christ happens in the mind. The mind is our battlefield. A constant war takes place in our thought life. It is the mind that holds the key to human transformation. We are transformed by the renewing of our mind according to Romans 12:2. This makes our thoughts a vital component of our relationship with God. Our thoughts are effected by our five senses and they can influence our emotions. Thoughts can become ideas, beliefs, and even dictate our actions. We must bring our thoughts into submission to God’s sovereign word.
The enemy knows that if he can infiltrate your mind with thoughts that are the antithesis of God’s word. He can then plant seeds of doubt and despair that will grow up and choke out the seed that God has planted in your heart. His weaponry is designed to distract you from your purpose and turn you away from believing the truth of your salvation and righteousness. If he can trick you out of your identity, then he can prevent you from walking in the fullness of Christ. He can stop you from experiencing God’s love; the unconditional sacrificial love that He has for each and every one of us.
A depraved mind, given over to sin doesn’t focus on Christ. It feeds the corruptible desires of the flesh. It feeds on self-centeredness. The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5,”For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4. (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds) 5. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
We must not war against our mind physically. The battle against contrary thoughts (thoughts that contradict God’s word) lies within the word of God. Our spiritual weapon is His word. Speak his word with your tongue. The power of life and death is in the tongue because we can speak His life giving word or we can choose to speak our circumstance (worldly observations).
Speak to contrary thoughts. When they come, recognize them and apply His word to them. His word is truth. Your situation may be very real to you because it looks real, it feels real, it’s ‘real life’. However, what’s more real is His word. His word is everlasting truth. That means that our situations, problems and obstacles are nothing compared to the authority and power that He has given us in His word. Thoughts that contradict His word are usually negative and filled with what cannot be done.
Practice redirecting your thoughts to good things. He tells us in Phillippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
- Maintain a laser focus on things of virtue (God’s power).
- Discover His promises for your situation.
- Read His word and meditate on it. Build a list of scriptures that pertain to your situation.
- Read them daily and commit them to your heart.
When opposing thoughts come to your mind that attempt to discourage you and tell you that what God promised isnt true, speak directly to them. Open your mouth and start speaking what God says about your situation. It may seem to a bit senseless, but it works. Talking to yourself breaks the thought pattern. Immediately direct your thoughts back to Jesus.
Praise Him for his goodness and go on with your day. You have the authority over your own mind. Do not entertain ungodly thoughts by dwelling on them. Cast them down and bring your thought life into the obedience of Christ. Rely on God’s unchanging love to guide you through. Remember that the victory is your inheritance. In His presence there is no defeat.