Has your mind and heart been in conflict lately? Do you feel like when you take a step forward --valuing yourself more, improving your love life or executing what you're purposed to do, here comes a nasty battle in your mind that wants you to abort every inch of your progress?
If so, you're not alone. There's an all out spiritual war going on (Ephesians 6:12).
WHAT'S THE WAR ABOUT?
It's about your transformation.
The enemy doesn't want you [or anyone in the faith] to have any mental, physical or spiritual progress. As highlighted by Joyce Meyer, in her book, Battlefield of the Mind, the major battle is taking place in your mind, but it's deeply connected to what's in your heart, which is where our drives and motivations come from (Proverbs 4:23).
Think about it: If you are transformed by the renewing of your mind, to think more like God about yourself and others, to uncover your talents and do them, then you'll be an ultimate threat. Less conformed to this dying world, more reformed to God's image, and abundant plans for you (John 10:10).
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD?
To be patterned after, and resembling the world's way of life; being led by the lusts of the eye and quick to follow evil (Exodus 23:2).
DO YOU HAVE TO BE ANXIOUS OR OVERLY WORRIED ABOUT THE WAR?
No. God has given us clear directions via Romans 12:2 on how to go about winning the battle.
"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." -Romans 12:2
HOW DO YOU APPLY ROMANS 12:2 TO YOUR LIFE?
If we know the battle for transformation is happening in the mind, then what you put in and put out your mind [and heart] matters.
How much time do you put into reading the word of God? On a practical level, reading the Holy Bible is how you add godly principles to your life, and subtract worldly principles from your life. When you have the right principles [tools] to refer to, it helps to positively guide your behaviors and decision making.
How much energy do you invest in putting the wrong things out of your mind? This is where having a life coach or counselor can be beneficial [to expose the blindspots]. Every human being has taken in wrong and quite damaging seeds that have taken root, and grown into strongholds. These "weeds" can negatively corrode one's self image, view of life, or relationship with God and others.
Investing in having harmful seeds and weeds excavated will make room for more peace, truth and love in your heart, and life.
How much room do you give yourself to pray? Prayer is how we commune with God, powerfully exchanging concerns, visions, feelings, thoughts and requests [for ourselves and others]. Your prayer life will help to fortify you, and your faith life, and keep your mind at peace through trying times. Prayer is so invaluable that we are instructed to continually pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A RENEWED MIND?
You'll be able to prove what is the good, acceptable and perfect will of God for YOU. No more guessing. You will have spiritual and social proof to back you, and the grace to support you in seeing God's perfect will for your life through. You will also be content with how God fashioned you to fulfill your part in the Kingdom, and world.
Another way put, you will work your lane with joy and gladness.
No more heavy preoccupation with looking to the left of to the right, counting or comparing the talents of others, you'll be too busy trying to maximize every talent you've been given (see the Parable of the Talents). Instead of being doubtful or slothful, you'll have desire and enthusiasm to maximize your seasons of grace.
Lastly, you'll grow in discernment, and have a keener sense for what is godly and what is not, what is right timing and what is not, who is for you, and who is not? It will be increasingly more challenging to settle in with people, places or things that don't agree with where God has you.
Was this a timely topic for you?
Are you currently being challenged to win the battle in your mind? Let us know, and drop any questions below.
Much Love,
Tiffany Wilson, M.Div aka @tiffytalks
If you'd like to grow in understanding of God's word or strengthen your prayer life, you're invited to join the "Awaken to Your Amazing Self" 5 Day Fasting & Prayer Challenge, March 25-29, click here for more details.
This post was very timely for me, as I had a conversation with my counselor about this very topic this weekend. I need to be more disciplined in refuting the lies of the enemy with Truth every single day.
Thank you for sharing I need help with renewing my mind changing the way i think And feel I’m tired of living my life that way
This was right on time. I’m on the journey of transformation and my mind has been under attack , it’s like this constant push pull battle and it’s exhausting. I have to become more discipline with reading the word and looking to God and Holy Spirit for strength & wisdom. Thank you for sharing.
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