By Pastor James C. Johnson
Often the most unhealthy part of a person is their mind. People’s minds run wild with unhealthy fantasies, or they entertain negative thoughts that often lead to depression, or some people pridefully think of themselves more highly than they ought to think.
After all, no one completely knows what you’re thinking unless you tell them. It’s easy to keep secret the bad habits of the mind. Yet, 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to “bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.“
Beware of ruminating on things that inhibit your spiritual growth or undermine your relationship with others. Instead, capture your thoughts and bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
Remember who your three enemies are: "The world, the flesh, and the devil."
The “flesh” is a reference to YOU. It’s true that the Devil wants to devour you, and the world wants to influence you with all of its carnality but, often times, YOU (your flesh) can be your own worst enemy.
Life is a constant battle with self. It’s YOU wrestling against YOU.
Into your mind enters thoughts of laziness from you, thoughts of selfishness from you, thoughts of entitlement about you, thoughts of self-aggrandizement that promote you, and much more.
It’s when you bring your thoughts into “the obedience of Christ” that you are able to have mental victory which then leads to spiritual and physical victories, as well.
Thoughts brought into "the obedience of Christ" are selfless thoughts. Those thoughts prefer others. They are personally humble thoughts.
Remember that it’s YOU who chooses what YOU think about, but beware because YOU often want to think about unhealthy and spiritually dangerous things.
Famously Paul tells us to “think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report...” (paraphrasing Philippians 4:8)
As you win the battles of your mind, you will feel liberated to pursue Christ-likeness like never before, and you’ll sense the presence of the Holy Spirit in remarkable and fresh ways.
May God enable us to have the “mind of Christ.” (Philippians 2:5)
This devotion was written by Pastor James C. Johnson. These devotionals are being published throughout this pandemic in an effort to further strengthen the faith of our NorthStone church family. Feel free to comment below to offer your feedback about today's devotion.
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