May 2020
Lockdown
Many of us have been in lockdown to one degree or another over the past months. I am sure somethings surfaced in our lives that we were either shocked that was there or “still” there if we thought we had overcome it. It was certainly a time that would test most of our disciplines. So – as the lockdown eases off or continues, what are you thinking about how you fared? Don’t be too hard on yourself, just be honest.
As we preach so often – in order to grow in holiness, it’s necessary to have a renewed mind. Many of us (I know it is not only me) have vowed to put an ungodly habit behind us, only to have it raise its ugly head again soon after! As the guilt or despondency kicks in we make a new vow to “never do that again!” This can be an endless cycle and can produce a sense of hopeless, resignation and confusion. Even the Apostle Paul experienced this (Romans 7), but then he found the answer in Romans 8 and beyond. In Romans 12:2 he says,
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Note that this is not a sudden transformation but a lifelong process. We are all a reflection of whatever we’ve been thinking throughout the years. From early on, we are taught to respond to situations in a certain way, with a particular response pattern, and this impacts every area of our lives. This is where the saying comes from that by the time we are 30 years old and over we “own our face.” It is reflecting our journey of life and how we have processed it. But the good news is that whatever our thoughts have been in the past, God can teach us to think differently. He gives His Spirit to lead us through a process that produces real healing and lasting change. The great news is that we are no longer helpless victims but sons and daughters of almighty God. James 1:14-15 explains,
“Each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.”
This tells us that many sins are not spontaneous – they come into being because we allowed them to take root in our minds. That is why we must be discerning about what we listen to and watch. It is also why the apostle Paul tells us to lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted, and instead be renewed in the spirit of our minds—to put on the new self which is created in God’s likeness (Eph. 4:22-24). I love the passage that tells us how to think. It is in Phil 4:8 and it says,
“whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things”.
We all get assailed by unwanted thoughts and temptations, but we must remember we are no longer helpless victims. We have within us the Holy Spirit—a positive, powerful influence that is mightier than our fallen self or the enemy. As a result, we have the power to extinguish the enemy’s flaming arrows (Eph. 6:16) and we are able to know the mind of Christ, take our thoughts captive to Him, and have victory over every temptation.
Our part is to wisely choose which thoughts we will accept and which ones we’ll reject. But in itself that is not enough. We must also deliberately fill our mind with truth from God’s Word. When Satan tempted Christ in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1-11). He countered each challenge with Scripture, saying, “It is written . . .” When we are ready with a verse that refutes one of Satan’s falsehoods, we have the most powerful spiritual ammunition possible.
So, without condemnation, consider this during the quieter period of life most of us have had recently. How diligent have you been about guarding your mind? Have you permitted your fallen self to influence your thoughts, or have you allowed God’s Word to shape your reasoning and values? You cannot coast through the Christian life. An unengaged mind is an open invitation for sin. If you’re distracted, having trouble praying or reading the Bible, your thoughts are not where they should be.
Don’t just “try harder.” In your own strength, you will never be able to change. True transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit—and it takes time. Therefore, submit to His leading, heed His warnings, and obey His voice. Finally, remember that His mercies are new every morning. It is never too late to “start again.”
God bless you,
Bruce Billington