God is teaching me how failing to take my thoughts captive can be devastating.
There’s a new Pharaoh on the throne at the beginning of Exodus. Joseph and his kin are in the grave, so all God did through Joseph is old news. Right out of the gate, the Pharaoh is thinking, “There’s more of them than there are of us.” Can you hear his dividing line? How much you wanna bet the devil planted that seed? And the king, in his pride, watered it. The serpent tempted Eve the same way. One over another. Not for each other, but out for self. That’s evil. That’s what the Bible calls wicked.
We need know this about ourselves: Evil begins with a thought. Not a whole plan. Sin begins when we take an evil thought and roll it around in our head. When we begin to imagine it becoming real. Inventory must be taken on what I allow my mind to ruminate on. God says, Take your thoughts captive to My obedience. (2 Cor 10:5) Set your head above. Not in the clouds, but in The Truth. (Col 3:2)
Whatever seeds you’re watering
those will be what grows.
Here’s the thing most of us miss: To outsmart deceiving thoughts that slip in while taking the garbage out, or walking the dog we require the the sword of the Spirit. Without the word of God as our weapon, we will be abused and used by Satan. I know what you’re thinking, “Satan could never use me. I know what I’m doing.”
I rest my case.
We’re talking about a spiritual realm. Demons and spirits no human has power to overcome. Which is why Jesus had to come.
We see the progression of evil in Pharaoh. Toying with his own perceptions, he goes from dealing shrewdly with Israel, to afflicting Israel, to becoming ruthless and enslaving Israel, until killing their children seemed reasonable. None of us can afford to think ourselves above this. “Whatever seeds you’re watering, those will be what grows,” preached Tim Keller.
Liar, Fighting for Truth in a World Ruled by Satan is coming in February. I’ve got some t’s to cross, but otherwise the book is ready. Thanks be to Jesus. I hope you’ll buy it. I pray God uses it, to change you, or save you, or draw you toward Himself.
To God be glory.