July 10, 2018
by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: 2 Corinthians 10:1–7
Some of us have formed the habit of getting even rather than overlooking wrongs done against us. So when we come across scriptural instruction that requires an alternate plan, our inner reaction is "No way!"
Along with the
mental wall of habitual resistance, the humanistic reasonings that give it
strength, and the proud, lofty reactions that keep the truths of Scripture at
arm's length, there are actual thoughts, techniques, and devices we employ that
push away God's Word and His promptings. Let me be specific.
Some of us have
formed the habit of getting even rather than overlooking wrongs done against
us. So when we come across scriptural instruction that requires an alternate
plan, our inner reaction is "No way!" When God's counsel encourages us to be
generous, to release rather than keep, we can think of half a dozen reasons it
won't work. It's like having a "Murphy's Law" mentality that is immediately
ready to spring into action. This keeps us from deciding favorably toward God.
That's a mental barrier.
A vital point I
don't want you to miss is that we really have no reason whatsoever to keep
serving our secular mentality. We have been freed. Gloriously freed!
Before salvation
we had no hope. We were victims of all those impulses and defenses within us.
But at the cross, our Savior and Lord defeated the enemy. He said, "It is
finished," and it was! No longer does sin reign as victor. But, you see,
our old nature doesn't want us to believe that. It resists all messages
that would give us freedom. "All renewed mind information is to be muffled," commands the sinful nature
within us. And with every effort, it puts up a wall, guards, towers, and thoughts
to turn all such input away.
Do you realize what
our old nature resists the most? It is revealed in 2 Corinthians 10:5: "taking every thought captive to the
obedience of Christ." When that happens, the "renewed mind" is in full
operation . . . and it is marvelous! At that moment, servanthood is neither
irksome nor a thing to be feared. It flows freely.
When Jesus Christ
truly takes charge of our minds, bringing our every thought captive to Him, we
become spiritually invincible. We operate with supernatural power. We walk
under God's complete control.