Spiritual Warfare: Mindset
Romans 12:2 (NIVUK)
“Do not conform 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.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIVUK)
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
1 Peter 5:8-9 (The Message)
“Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So, keep a firm grip on the faith.”
‘Where’s your head at?’ is an expression that I’ve heard in recent years, usually within the context of a TV dating show, with the bronzed enquirer keen to establish the status of his/her relationship with another person. Cue an eye roll: I’m clearly getting old. However, despite the ugly phrasing, it is a very important question. The preceding months of Covid and lockdowns have had a tremendous impact on many people’s mental, emotional, spiritual health and wellbeing, and can leave us feeling spiritually adrift. The third scripture above reminds us that not just us but Christians all over the world are facing this spiritual battle and that the enemy is seeking opportunities to throw us off balance, targeting our minds.
The Apostle Paul urges the believers at Philippi to ‘have the same mindset as Christ’ in their relationships with one another (Philippians 2:5). I love that Paul makes it clear that it is possible for us to have the same mindset as Jesus. Our minds can be renewed! This is such a relief, as I have had some pretty dodgy ways of thinking over the years!
In relation to our theme of spiritual warfare this week, these scriptures demonstrate that our minds as Christians are powerful. We can demolish arguments and take thoughts captive. We can mentally assess whether certain thoughts are true or not. Our focus should not be whether such thoughts come from the enemy or from within us, but rather - does this line up with what God says is true? I remember God showing me that when I did have negative thoughts regarding who I am, I can ask myself, ‘What does the Bible say about who I am in Christ?’ refuting any lies with truth from God’s word.
Prayer — Lord, help me to have the mind of Christ in my thoughts, at work and in my relationships. Help me to be transformed by the renewing of mind and to keep my mind fixed on you.