Satanic Attacks Target Your Mind

A few years ago when we moved into a new home we soon discovered we weren’t alone. There were 5 squirrels that frolicked in our yard by day and slept in our attic at night. It was disconcerting each night as we heard them crawling around above. One hot day I saw they were all outside so I found the two holes they used to get in and closed them up. That evening I watched as they scratched and clawed at my patchwork and got back in. Now it was war! I once again patched the holes and also bought a squirrel trap. It took a couple of weeks of fighting, but I won! Some of you are thinking, “Hmm, aren’t you proud of yourself homo sapiens, defeating poor little squirrels?” Yes, I am.

I didn’t have a problem with them outside. I know they dig up the lawn and leave nut shells all over, but that’s just an annoyance. When they got inside my house, that was a problem. They could do serious damage there, chew up electrical wires and even claw through walls and get into the house.

My problem with those squirrels is like spiritual warfare. What happens outside you isn’t as much of an issue as what happens inside your mind. Unfortunately many people have it backwards with spiritual warfare. Their biggest concern is what is going on outside, that is, with their circumstances rather than inside, in their mind. I hear many people talk about negative circumstances, health issues, financial problems, strained relationships, and job issues as spiritual warfare. Those are the squirrels messing up your yard. What’s going on inside, in your heart and mind?

Here’s how this works in life. The church at Corinth disciplined a man for sleeping with his step-mom, a heinous sin. The goal was for him to repent of his sin, not to permanently kick him out of the church. It worked. He repented but the church didn’t forgive him. Since he repented Paul said they needed to forgive him. Paul was concerned their unforgiveness would harm the man and them. The man’s sin brought shame on the church, an outside issue. An unforgiving spirit would harm the man and them. That’s an inside issue. Here’s what Paul said,

“so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him . . . so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” 2 Corinthians 2:7-11

Paul uses two words about Satan that have to do with our minds.

• “outwit” means to deceive and take advantage of someone, to be mentally tricked and then do the wrong thing 2 Corinthians 7:2.
• “designs” which comes from the word for thought and mind and refers to Satan’s scheming or plans 2 Corinthians 4:4. cf. Ephesians 6:11

Today many would look at the man’s sin and say it was Satan attacking the church. That isn’t what Paul said! He said their minds and their lack of forgiveness were the focus of Satan’s attack. If we don’t forgive a person who repents, the devil can get a foothold in our lives! Ephesians 4:27

A negative circumstance is often the opportunity for an attack on our mind. Look on the inside not on the outside for satanic attacks.

What helps you to recognize satanic attacks on your minds? Please leave a comment or question below.

p.s. If you have found this blog post helpful take a look at some previous posts.  Each post is designed to teach you how to stand firm in your faith and to be spiritually resilient!  You can sign up on the right hand side of this page to receive these posts 4-5 times a week in your email.

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Thanks so much,
Ward