If you want to learn to manage your mind, you have to be delivered from destructive thoughts.
That isn’t easy because you are in a battle with three enemies trying to control your thoughts.
- The first enemy is your old nature.
Romans 7:23
Do you ever find yourself doing things you don’t really want to do?
That’s the battle in your mind between your old, sinful nature and your good intentions.
- The second enemy is Satan.
Satan cannot force you to do anything, but he can make suggestions.
Those suggestions are incredibly powerful.
He is constantly planting negative thoughts in your mind.
He’ll use other people or what you watch on TV, or he’ll just throw a thought in your mind.
- The third enemy is the world’s value system. Modern society rarely encourages self-discipline.
Advertisements tell you, “You deserve a break today. Have it your way. We do it all for you.”
1 John 2:16
With enemies like that, no wonder people struggle with discouragement, despair, and failure!
So, how do you fight this battle?
Look at what 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
You have a choice.
Your mind has to listen to you.
God didn’t give you just a mind. He gave you a will too!
The best time to win the battle with temptation is before it begins.
Talk It Over
Do you believe that following God’s rules and instructions brings freedom and helps you enjoy your life?
Why or why not?
What does Satan specifically use in your life to keep you focused on destructive thoughts and behaviors?
What steps can you take to memorize Scripture so that you can more effectively battle temptation?