Each one of us always runs the risk of being pimped by our old nature, old voices, old ways of thinking, and old ways of dealing with life. All of which are separate from the Holy Spirits’ control.

Any of us can be broken down culturally, physically, emotionally, relationally, or spiritually and begin to think self-destructive thoughts.  Fortunately though, the ones that really challenge us can grow us a spiritual spine. Think of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane or Joseph in that Egyptian jail. These are the times the strength of the Holy Spirit is waiting poised to invade our weakness and bring God’s perspective.

Do you have a time or experience where your mind just overruled you common sense or literally controlled who you really are?

In these moments we must choose the Holy Spirits’ direction over the easier, better feeling, more convenient, more comfortable, dark impulses that beckon for indulgence. It’s called sacrificing for a higher allegiance. It’s called becoming a man. It’s called being Christ like. It’s called activating the Holy Spirits’ power.

Whatever is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovely, excellent, admirable, and praiseworthy, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

Every man experiences these valleys and pits, but not every man succumbs to his self destructive sinful nature at the expense of his connection with the Holy Spirit. The battlefield lesson is this. If we don’t have a mind set to please God before our challenges hit, it will be hard to side with the Holy Spirit of God in the middle of such testing. Practically this means making up our mind in advance, to side with the Spirit when the chips are down and the pressure is on. This predetermined choice which eliminates bad options in the heat of the moment is called a willing mind. Paul says, “The mind of a sinful man is death but the mind controlled by the Holy Spirit is a mind of life and peace.”

Father thank you for the option or choice you have given us.