Stand Guard

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6

I am sure that when I say the word soldier, a mental picture pops into your mind. It might be a modern day picture of a soldier on the battlefield with camouflage, helmet, boots and a gun. Some of you might have pictured a Roman soldier from Jesus’ day. The image would be similar, strong leather sandals for the feet, a helmet with a feathered plume and a sword.

The common element for any image of a soldier is a weapon. A weapon is used for attacking someone or defending yourself in war. Since our body is the temple of God and as Christians Christ lives in our hearts, it is important to protect our hearts. Our mind is the doorway to our heart. The things allowed in our hearts has to first pass through our mind and be filtered into what we want sown in our hearts and what should be discarded.

Romans 8:6 explains, The Holy Spirit is ready to help us maintain the filter of our mind. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says we should demolish arguments and every pretense. It also says we should take captive every thought. That sounds like a fight to me. Who do you think is arguing with you? Who do you think is setting up ideas contrary to the Word of God? Who is challenging your every thought? Satan is of course. If we leave the door of our heart unguarded it will be easy for Satan to slip in thoughts that can be sown in our heart and grow into issues to keep us from Christ.

We should stand guard at the door of our heart, led and governed by the Holy Spirit. We must arm ourselves with handcuffs, leg irons and a sword. The sword of the Spirit! The Bible tells us to take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ. We are at war. Fight for every thought! Stand guard!

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. 2 Corinthians 10:5

Pastor Julia Scott