MIND WARFARE
By Synthia Esther
We perceive the world from the eyes and mind of our personal experiences. The way we think is a mind set. Romans 8:5, Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The flesh is the opposite of the Spirit. If we are seeking the word of God as our guide we are told to crucify the flesh. Being in the flesh is not your body or an action, it is a way of thinking that leads to a bad decision. The flesh stays alive by feeding on negative, self destructing thought patterns.
Contrary to a Christians faith-based foundation in Jesus Christ, the flesh only believes what it can see, touch and feel. Gods will for our life is to have faith in His sovereignty. Living our lives in sacrificial service to God means we place Him in control of our bodies and minds. Our will must confirm to His will. Romans 12:1-2 , Therefore, I urge you,brothers, in the view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. (2) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 8:6-7, The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; (7) the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.
Fleshly thought patterns produce a life filled with uncertainty, chaos, self-destructive negativity and fear. Righteous thought patterns produce a life filled with peace that passes all understanding. As Christians, our goal is to allow righteousness to become the filter of our mind. By walking in accordance to the word of God we develop our walk in the Spirit.
1st John 3:9, No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in Him. God is the Creator gardener, and His word is the seed (Luke 8:11). Once we accept Jesus Christ as our savior His Holy Spirit, the living water (John 7: 37-39), flows from within us to seek and live according to His will. 1st John 3:24, Those who obey His commands live in Him, and He in them. And this is how we know that He lives in us: We know it by the Spirit He gave us.
1st Peter 1:23-25, For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever. In order to win not only the battle, but the war that often rages with in our minds, we must fill our mind with God's word which stands forever. It is sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12-13). All scripture is God - breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteous, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3 16-17). With your mind steadfast, trusting in God - He will keep you in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).
