Who or what is public enemy number one to the Christian believer in the modern century? Paul gives us the answer:
For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. (Ephesians 6:12 TEV)
Therefore, we as believers must be on guard against the infiltration of these spiritual forces which threaten to snuff out the vibrancy of our relationship with Christ. Here are three such attitudes.
One: Spirit of Grievance
What’s behind the alarming instances of road rage, indiscriminate shootings and family conflict we see on an almost daily basis? To be sure, unresolved anger is at the root. What springs from such anger, however, is the taproot: grievance. When a person fails in resolving internal anger, they begin to carry the burden of grievance like a chained boulder.
What the Bible Says
Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. (Colossians 3:13)
Application
Small anger issues become infernos. Unresolved anger turns into grievance. Be willing to grow into a spirit of forgiveness. Once you forgive, forget about it.
Devotional Scriptures
Ephesians 4:32 Romans 2:1 Numbers 14:18
Two: Spirit of Lack
It’s tough out there financially and economically! The global pandemic impacted our bottom line in ways we could have never imagined. It is easy to subscribe to a posture of lack, to use phrases such as “I don’t have” or “I’m broke”.
What the Bible Says
The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. (Proverbs 15:4)
Application
We become what we think about and speak about all day long. Our thoughts dictate our words; thus our actions are the products of limited thinking and speaking. Learn to see yourself in seasons and see money as rivers which, unlike a pond, are always moving. When you limit yourself, you limit what God can and will do in your season.
Devotional Scriptures
Proverbs 28:27 Deuteronomy 2:7 2 Corinthians 11:9
Three: Spirit of the Accuser
The spirit of the accuser is the spirit of condemnation. It is the voice located in a person who derides one’s dreams and aspirations and that you are never good enough to placate God. This voice constantly reminds you of your failures.
What the Bible Says
For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. (Matthew 23:4)
Application
Be aware of the voice of the accuser, whether it’s you or someone close to you.
Devotional Scriptures
2 Corinthians 3:6 Genesis 3:8-13 Psalm 130:2
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