Kingdom of Words (II)

Man’s Mind and His Thoughts

The Mind is the seat of thoughts, intellect and knowledge. It can be likened to a garden, which may be intentionally cultivated or allowed to run wild, but whether cultivated or neglected, it must – and will – bring forth fruit.

The Battle of the Mind

Have you been in a situation where you were doing fine in a moment, joyful, your day going as planned? But then suddenly, there is a change in your emotions. Your joyful heart is now as heavy as a stone. You are now wondering what went wrong.

Well, if you took out time to reflect on such an event, you can trace the root cause to thoughts that came to heart.

Most times, we don’t think about what we are thinking about, therefore thoughts slip in and out without us checkmating them. We leave the garden of our mind unattended to and find ourselves going through the motions of our emotions.

So when the situation is favourable, we are happy and when it’s not, we are sad, forgetting that we are Spirit beings and therefore our lives should be modulated not by external circumstances, but by the Word of God.

Jesus is our example

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:14-15 (NKJV)

Through Scripture, we are informed that Jesus was tempted in all ways but didn’t fall. There were different scenarios where he was tempted by Satan himself, by Satan influencing Peter, and by men who were seeking to see His downfall.

The one we are looking at today was when he was tempted by Satan after His 40-day fast. Jesus was in a vulnerable state when the devil tempted him with the things of the world (Lust of the eyes, Lust of the flesh, Pride of Life).

One might think the devil appeared to Jesus physically, but we will see that all this took place in His mind. This indeed was a battle of the mind.

How did the Devil come?

He came through his thoughts and in the second and third temptation, the Devil weaponised and twisted the Word of God to suit himself and his agenda.

But Jesus who is the “Word” Himself knew the tactics of the enemy, He shielded Himself against his attacks.

Similarly, Satan often comes to us through thoughts – especially in our low moments. If we do not carefully guard our hearts, those thoughts will grow and become a stronghold, giving the devil access to bring his desires to pass. Whatever takes root in our minds can manifest in our lives.

Winning the Battle of Your Thoughts

Winning the battle in your thought life requires meditating daily on the truths found in Scripture, studying diligently to show yourself approved, and becoming an earnest and lifelong student of the art of spiritual warfare.

See the devil’s attack against your mind as a spiritual warfare. Most people believe that spiritual warfare is on the outside, but we forget that our mind is the greatest tool in warfare.

Whoever controls the mind of a man controls his outcome. So, when you see it as a thought that is exalting itself against the knowledge of God, you must cast it down and establish the banner of the Lord, declaring that the territory of your mind belongs to God.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (NKJV)

Also, speak out loud. Your mouth is connected to your mind. The tongue is a master of the body like the bits and bridles used to control and direct horses, the tongue can be used with the right words to stir your life in a different direction.

In addition, when different thoughts are raging, checkmate them with the word of God. Once they are not in alignment with God’s word, speak out the scriptures that address the situation till the raging storm ceases.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)

In conclusion, your mind is a garden. You can intentionally cultivate the right thoughts and weed out the wrong ones. And if you keep at it, in the end, you will have a bountiful harvest.