Organizing the Inside – Day 141 Are You Single-Minded?

January 22, 2012 at 3:00 pm · Filed under Encouragement, Faith, Wisdom, Women's Ministry and tagged: Christ, Christian, Christianity, Spiritual warfare

6Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. ~James 1:6-8

Are you a single-minded person?
When we think of single-mindedness it usually has a negative connotation that goes along with it. I find nothing negative about being single-minded. The person who has integrity is often called a single-minded person who thinks one way. This person doesn’t have divided loyalties but remains true to the values and principles that they believe in.  These people have nothing to hide and are not overly concerned with what others think of them. Having high moral standards and values, the single-minded person lives a life of great integrity. If you are a single-minded person for Christ then you are part of something that is greater than your personal convictions, you are a part of God’s plan for His people, the body of Christ.

The war within
Even a single-minded person whose desires are shaped by their convictions at times find the conflict of spirit and flesh a constant reminder of their own human limitations. The single-minded Christian is predisposed to a sense of knowing that the Word of God is the final authority. When faced with conflict it is that same internal conviction that causes the single-minded person to look to the truth, and their personal core values (the heart) to make the right choice and win each battle.  Paul spoke openly about this internal confliction. 18And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. Romans 7: 18, 19 For everything in life that Christians battle, God has already put in place countermeasures to ensure your success.

Every battle can be won if you are equipped to fight.
I believe that no matter which battle, a battle of truth, a battle of the mind, a battle of the heart or a battle of the flesh each Christian is fully equipped to not only fight that battle, but to come out victoriously. Be mindful that, although the enemy may use people and things around you, these people and things are not whom or what you are fighting. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.  Ephesians 6:12 The person standing in front of you who has just betrayed your trust, or said untrue things about you, no matter how real it may seem – they are not the issue.  Put on your spiritual eyeglasses to see that the weapons God has given you are weapons to fight a spiritual war not a physical one.

Some Christians are fearful when it comes to the subject of spiritual warfare.
For many years I was one of them. The thought of battling with demons and other unknown forces that I couldn’t see was something I wanted to have nothing to do with. If you can relate, I understand and the enemy would have you remain ignorant to the truth.  The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful… 1 Corinthians 10:13a The word ignorant comes from the word ignore. Yes, if you are like I was you would rather ignore that part of the Christian life. Keep in mind, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.  Psalm 119:130 No doubt, the spiritual forces of darkness hate it when the truth of the light of God’s word enters in.  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:5 The darkness doesn’t understand it, cannot extinguish it and is rendered completely powerless before it.

Tomorrow if God is willing, I will share with you God’s plan on how to get organized to fight and never lose another battle again. Yes, I say that with a great degree of certainty, simply because I know that God is the one truly fighting through His warriors. Having to deal with spiritual warfare is inevitable for every Christian. Whether you are a newbie in Christ or you have walked with the Lord for many years. The internal conflict and the need to stand steadfast in your single-mindedness is not going to change. But thank God for Jesus; He defeated death, hell and the grave and it’s that same power that raised Jesus from the dead that makes you and me more than conquerors, through Him who loves us, and equips us for battle. Stay prayerful for tomorrow’s post.

Comments (6)