Lately the "battlefield" of spiritual things has been escalating around me. It seems that I have dealt with one battle after another among our budding church planting team. Indeed, I would agree that we are facing some real obstacles here because we are trying to make an impact on the community for Jesus. It is important to realize that we cannot assume to waltz into Satan's stronghold and just take up residence without a fight. And this enemies preferred battleground is fought in the mind.
Proverbs 23:7 says "as a man thinks, so is he." (A little Yoda voice works here well). So if we are to seek to do battle on this field we need to be very aware that the mind will be full of MINES (Watch yo step).
I think the events of the last week have been extreme but if we all go back though our struggles since our arrival, all of the things that have plagued us have been things that work on our minds and the reactions that result from these thought life items that are particular to each of us. If its' security, seeing our self as God does, achievement needs, pride, sexual temptation, fear of loss, temper, paranoid loneliness...etc. #mindwars
Paul confirms that the battlefield is real in his letter to Corinth.
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 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. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.””
After a short discourse about the battle being not of the world Paul affirms that the Battlefield is in the mind. Paul says to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." We take those thoughts captive and punish disobedient thoughts only when we get into connection with God. The battle is only effectively fought when we are connected to the only power that makes a difference in us. It's why, when we gather, we discuss the importance of the practice of a disciplined time alone in reading, study and prayer. This is so we can connect with God and get an accurate reflection of the world aligned with the truth of the scripture. We do so to be able to differentiate between the real battles and the psychological warfare that Satan wages in the world. To know the difference between the mind mines and the truth within us.
We have to be diligent to fight the battle where it is fought. To question every thought and argument that would disagree with the truth of the Gospel which we hold dear in our hearts AND MINDS. When we see that there is a thought out of whack with God we are to be ready to punish it. Paul writes further
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Toe fight well, we need to be aware of the foe we are dealing with. The fight is against these rulers and spiritual forces that actively seek to destroy us. In short, Paul says here that we need to be aware of its true origin (12), prepare to war against it (13), Engage it on the battlefield of prayer (18). He then elaborates on prayer: Pray always in the Spirit, Hang in there and don't give up and pray for the ministry of the Gospel that we would have the boldness to proclaim it faithfully.
That's all I have time to elaborate on today. But take some time and think about it. NO, take some time and prepare yourself to battle in the mind-field. You are on the battlefield. Be aware and prepared to engage the enemy with the power to defeat Him.