The Battle For The Mind

“…And he (the serpent) said unto the woman, ‘Yes, hath God said…?'” Genesis 3:1

Dear Ones:

When the Apostle Paul wrote the epistle to the Philippians from prison, he made a remarkable statement concerning the mind.  “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.” (Phil. 4:8)  Why did the Spirit of God lead him to write these words?  And, how could he, being in prison, DO this?  It is because what is in the mind will determine what we are and how we live, for the glory of God or not.  Part of the mission of David Livingstone, missionary to Africa, was to open up the interior of Africa to missions, but also, to civilization and trade.  One of the primary purposes in doing so was to eliminate the atrocities brought on by the slave trade at that time.  What he saw of the wretchedness, and inhuman treatment of others was enough to plunge one into the depths of hopelessness.  However, God led Livingstone to be a student of nature, the marvelous, miraculous works of God.  Being the pioneer, doctor, and student of nature that he was, he was able to have “other thoughts” than those of tragedy and suffering.  What he put in his mind, the Word of truth being primary, was essential to his well-being, and the success of his mission.

Jesus spoke indirectly of “the mind” when He said:  “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (Jn. 8:32)  What happens if we do NOT first KNOW the truth?  It means that we will, in all probability, and for the most part,  live according to the “thoughts and ways” of sinful man, and NOT according to mind and heart of God. Later on in the 8th chapter of John, the Lord continues:  “If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” (v.36)  Here we see why the knowledge of the truth is so very important.  God will work, save, set free, lead…according to the knowledge of the TRUTH.  The Spirit of God is the Spirit of truth.

The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, spoke of a WAR, a war in and of the mind.  First, he speaks of a warfare that is “carnal,” being of man, having its origin and means according to the thoughts and ways of man.  Then he says that this is NOT the warfare that he is speaking of.  He specifically declares that we are in a spiritual war, where “…the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.”  He specifically describes the very essence and nature of these fortresses:   “…casting down imaginations (reasonings), and every high and lofty THOUGHT that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity EVERY THOUGHT to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:4-5)  The issue is this:  We are what we think.  We are controlled or live in freedom according to the knowledge, and belief of the truth.  Jesus intervenes and sets us free, and keeps us free, according to the truth, NEVER according to the lie, or half truth.

Dear Father, give us to see clearly how important it is concerning what we put in our minds, and what we think.  Give us to think after You, according to the truth.   Enable us to wage a good warfare, one for and by the truth, for THEN You will work in us, and through us, accomplishing Your good and acceptable will and purposes.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Love, Dad