Our old, carnal nature is very susceptible to temptation.
Satan attempts to distract our passion for God by stirring up our former
desires for sin. His lies remind us of forgotten memories, which trigger
negative thoughts and behavior from our soul. The devil knows that if he
controls our thoughts, he will also control our actions.
Discouragement often opens our
ears to hear Satan’s lies, but focusing on the positive, beautiful aspects of
God and His Kingdom keeps our mind on praiseworthy issues (Philippians 4:8). A grateful attitude will
ensure our success in this area. The friends we keep, the people
we work with and our other associates may influence us to sin or to walk away
from God (1 Corinthians 15:33).
However, as we bring our thoughts into obedience to Christ,
Satan has no power over us (2
Corinthians 10:4-5). As we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the
former lusts of our flesh (Galatians 5:15-25). We seek to build God's
eternal Kingdom, rather than to erect our own little kingdom here on earth (Colossians
3:1). Issues which grieve God's Spirit
grieve us as well (Ephesians 4:30).
We can also meet with an older
Believer for discipleship, to learn the elementary teachings of the Word (Hebrews 6:1). We devour
the Word of God, by using a Bible translation we understand or by using a
topical Bible. We attend Bible studies with our church family and in our
community. God's Spirit perfects us in holiness with the mind and divine nature
of Christ (2 Corinthians 7:1; 2 Peter 1:4).
Prayer:
Father God, if we sow sin, we will reap corruption (Galatians
6:7-8). That is why You encourage us not to fellowship with
unbelievers who walk in darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14-15; Job 4:8;
Proverbs 22:8; Hosea 8:7). You pour out Your wrath on all ungodliness and
unrighteousness, which prevent Your elect from knowing Your Truth. Submitting our life to Your Word and living according to Your
precepts is the only way we can enjoy a fulfilled life on this earth and be
ready to rule and reign with Christ in eternity.
Thought for the Day:
We have less of a desire to
partake in carnal behavior every day that we spend with the Lord.
