John Bunyan once said that if we have not quiet in our minds, outward comfort will do no more good for us than a golden slipper on a gouty foot. I believe that many of our greatest battles begin and end with our thoughts. Thoughts are unpredictable, unstable, and rambunctious. They threaten great sin and have the power to do immeasurable damage if unchecked. In 1 Corinthians 5:7 Paul tells us that we need to purge out the old leaven so that we may be a new lump. Leaven symbolizes more than just sin to me. It also represents a level of self awareness that could be potentially dangerous if left untreated. When Jesus spoke of the Pharisees and Sadducees, he was warning his disciples to be wary of toxic doctrine. Along with teachings that went against what he was trying to preach, he was warning them of the dangers of getting too puffed up with the self. A holier than thou attitude can be fatal, not only to hearer, but also to the doer.
How do we combat this restless evil that lurks within our subconscious? The first thing we need to do is take inventory. With feather duster in hand, we should go through each room in our minds and do a gut check. Anything that is out of place, rancid, or toxic should be immediately removed. This is done with prayer and repentance. Once the dust has been cleared we can make room for praise and worship. Upkeep is relatively simple. We just need to remember to take every thought captive and offer it up to Christ. The cycle can be repeated as often as necessary. Examine, eliminate, and exalt.
The enemy would like nothing more than for us to be distracted and unfocused. We cannot accomplish anything if our brain is inactive. We must remain obedient and steadfast in our calling. Now is the time for swift and deliberate action. We are in a wonderful position to use all of the tools God has given us to go and make disciples. With Christ all things are possible and every day has the potential to be miraculous.
Read more articles by Sherry Castelluccio or search for articles on the same topic or others.
