The transformed life
In a recent conversation with an acquaintance, he spoke about the battlefield of the mind and the great struggle it is daily to win that battle. Like him, I too once considered this to be a daily fight. Yet, my perspective regarding this has changed significantly.
For as long as we walk according to the flesh there is a constant battle raging in our minds and in our lives daily. Scripture gives us an explanation for this when it says in Galatians 5 verse 17 that the flesh is at war with the Spirit. The flesh and the Spirit want what is contrary to each other and therefore the battle rages if one walks according to the flesh. It makes no sense for this battle to continue once one has migrated to the realm of walking in the Spirit. We are told by Scripture that a house divided itself cannot stand. Thus, once we walk according to the Spirit, we walk the life ultimately described in Romans 12 verse 2.
When our minds are renewed, it leads to a transformative life. But the way to get to a renewed mind begins with a willingness to die to self. Quite frankly it cannot remain a desire, it needs to be actioned. It means that we need to do as Romans 8 verse 13 says need to put to death the deeds of the body. This means developing the discipline to say put measures in place to cease activities that will perpetuate walking according to our flesh – i.e., Giving in to temptations fueled by our emotions, our feelings, our will, and ultimately our wants.
I know that we have become comfortable with the idea that we are only human, and we often create the impression that we have no choice, but to fall into the same temptations all the time. Yet, Scripture tells us in 1 Corinthians 10 verse 13 that no temptation has seized us except that which is common to mankind. God is faithful, he will not allow us to be tempted above what we can bear. But with every temptation, he has provided a way out so that we can endure it. Thus, it is not above our human ability to say no to temptation as it is not above what we can bear. God has also provided a way out.
Often the road to addressing the matters of the flesh begins through fasting and prayer. In addition, one must starve the very things that we devote our time and money to. If we wish to win the battle, then we need to develop the discipline to feed on that which will sustain our spiritual walk. Then we would be able to see the results as articulated through 2 Corinthians 10 verse 5: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”. A transformative life enables one to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. Sadly, walking in the flesh and trying to do this will often remain stuck in mere words without seeing the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us.
In recent times I have realized that there are many who lose their faith in the Lord Jesus and who have turned their backs on the Kingdom of God. They walk away only to embrace the lies of the evil one. Yet, when one has never allowed yourself to progress beyond the outer court where one was to deal with your flesh, a place called to sacrifice, then disillusion is imminent. However, life beyond the veil leads to transformation. The transformed life is rich with promises of bounty and overflows with the power of God’s endless possibilities. It is here where we experience life and abundance. It is here where the significance of the secret place becomes reality (Psalm 91).
To be continued...
