‘Our minds are the battleground of spiritual warfare’
What we think determines what we believe; what we believe determines how we live. It is in our minds that we think, reason, discern, and live out the rational aspect of our faith in God. Our minds, soul, and spirit are so closely connected as to be virtually indistinguishable. Therefore, the mind plays a foundational role in every aspect of our existence, especially in our relationship with God. It is for this reason God has provided you with the Helmet of Salvation.
When Jesus says we are to, ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with your entire mind’ (Matt 22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27), He is referring to the choices we make from the core of our being (heart, soul, mind), and the intent underlying the choices; i.e. ‘If you love me you will keep my commands’ (John 14:15-31). It is for this reason God has provided key armor pieces to protect these areas, i.e. Breastplate, Shield, and Helmet. Each of which is forged in the caldron of Christ’s sacrificial work of redemption.
Consider the events of our day… we attack statues representing events of our past and in tearing them down, we claim a self-righteousness as if we have become better people; when in reality all we have done is displaced blame on an inanimate object that had no ability to choose right from wrong. In doing so, we have failed to recognize that the real problem is in our own hearts and that we have failed to protect it with truth, righteousness, and discernment anchored in reality. The Bible tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who really knows (discerns) how evil it is?” (Jeremiah 17:9) It is for this reason Paul pleads with us, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think (at your core). Then you will learn to know (discern) God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
(Romans 12:2); and that ‘our old self, with its cravings for lust, greed and, selfishness, must be crucified with Christ. In so doing, it is no longer I (the old self) who lives (controlling how I think), but Christ lives in me (renewing my mind and producing the capacity to discern correctly). So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) Once we have put off our old self and renewed our ‘minds’, orienting it to be filled with God’s Word and in sync with His Spirit, we must put on the Breastplate of Christ’s righteousness, and take up the Shield of Faith and the Helmet of His Salvation to protect our heart, soul, and mind from being corrupted by this world and the evil forces again.
Many have fallen because they did not do this… leaving themselves to be target practice for the evil one. I pray you not be one of them.
Choose wisely….
“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.”
(Ephesians 6:13)
Praying U choose Christ today
Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, grandfather, Pastor with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is the Associate Pastor of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church. He is the author of two devotional books, “From a Chair by the Window.” And “#PrayerWinsThe Day”.
