Proverbs 23:7 – “For as he thinks within himself, so he is…”  NASB

In considering this subject and picking up where we left off last time as we discussed the reality that We Become What We Think.  Today, I want us to go a step further and consider some additional realities in our pursuit to Soar like the Eagle rather than Quack in the Crowd and Fly with the Flock.

THE NUMBER ONE TARGET OF THE DEVIL IS OUR MINDS…

The devil knows that if he can keep us bound in our thought processes, he can keep us from becoming what God has designed and desires.  Ephesians 6:10-11 declares, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”  

The ‘wiles’ or ‘schemes’ of the devil are important to note.  The word comes from the Greek [methodia] from which we get the word, method.  The Amplified renders it “strategies of the devil.”  We know from Scripture that the devil is crafty and utilizes a well-thought-out plan of attack.  He is never just shooting in the dark hoping to hit something.  We are told in (v.12) “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood…”  

We must remember that the devil operates in the realm of the mind and wants to inspire and induce negative, mediocre, non-challenging thinking.  In 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, he is called the “god of this world” and his activity is identified as “blinding minds.”  In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, we are instructed to take control of our thoughts, through the Holy Spirit.  As we do that and allow the reprogramming of our thought processes, we can begin to Soar with God rather than Flying with the Flock and Quacking with the Crowd.

WE MUST CONSIDER THE BATTLE AND THE BATTLEGROUND…

The passage in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 utilizes military language, and that imagery usually suggests physical combat.  Everything that takes place in this passage happens in the mind.  Let me offer an illustration that will help us see this truth.

In ancient days, cities were built inside thick and massive walls. The wall provided a formidable barrier to protect the city.  Before an alien force could conquer a city, it had to first overcome that protective shield. Towers were erected in strategic places along the wall for early warning and observation. 

In times of battle, seasoned men with an understanding of military warfare would be positioned in those stations and from those vantage points could see the advancing forces and shout back strategies for a counterattack. In order for the enemy to take the city, several things had to become a reality. The wall had to be scaled or penetrated. The towers had to be invaded or taken down. The military men had to be destroyed or captured.  In the NASB there is a reference to the “destruction of fortresses” and “destroying speculations.”

If you understand this passage as representing the Wall around the Mind you gain an edge.  Speculations may represent the reasoning (thought patterns or traditional thinking) that have been built in us by the enemy.  The immediate question should be, “How does God’s truth win this battle?”  These speculations that encompass our minds must be penetrated but how?  The Holy Spirit penetrates those walls with the truth of God’s Word and makes an opening.  Then, He (Holy Spirit) encounters, “Lofty things” which are mental blocks that have been erected against spiritual viewpoints.

The enemy encourages you and me to revert to carnal habits when under pressure, under attack, or experiencing a trial or test.  These “Lofty things” are natural thinking and humanistic to the core.  Too many, for too long, have convinced themselves that they lack the ability, or the risk is too great, and failure is sure, therefore accepting the status quo is the only logical pathway.  Those Lofty Things must be cast down!  What is God’s Ultimate Goal for Us?  That we take every thought captive. God wants to transform those old thoughts that defeat us into new thoughts that liberate us.  He wants to Reprogram us.

Consider the commitment God is presenting to us.  He will take the old habits and old thought patterns and Transform them.  If in our struggle to become like Him we face lust, pride, jealousy, envy, perfectionism, cynicism, and criticism.  God must penetrate those thought patterns, pull them down and break the chains that have us bound. There is Hope and He Can and Will Help.  God wants to enable us to take every thought Captive to the obedience of Christ and enable us to Soar like the Eagle rather than Fly with the Flock.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 – “It is true that we live in the world, but we do not fight from worldly motives. The weapons we use in our fight are not the world’s weapons but God’s powerful weapons, which we use to destroy strongholds.  We destroy false arguments; we pull down every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey Christ.”  TEV

What do we do?  First, we admit we need God’s help.  Next, we ask for God’s help.  Then we commit to excellence.  May God, give you the wings of an eagle and enable you to soar to new heights.  

May the Rich and Bountiful Blessings of God be upon you as you enjoy this wonderful day in Jesus!