There is a battle raging in the world today that will ultimately destroy all flesh. The battle is so intense that many are driven to the threshold of insanity committing horrific acts of brutality that no longer shock us. The battle is so intense that it’s causing great divisions in humanity that go well beyond the natural boundaries of nationality, race, or political affiliation. The battle is within the hearts and minds of humanity. The battle is so intense that it’s causing untold psychological and emotional problems driving many to the counselor’s office, psychotropic drug addiction, or suicide. There will come a time when it’s no longer just the left against the right or one group against another. The battle is within the mind as people fight to maintain a sense of normalcy or even their existence as human beings. Although many will attempt to escape their reality, in the end, it will still bring total destruction to all of humanity. On the other hand, there will be a few who will not be overcome by this great battle for the mind. Some will learn how to access the great power to win the battle.

Satan stands at the door of hell unleashing his barrage of thoughts and imaginations to fill the minds of unsuspecting humanity. Yes, implanting thoughts and imaginations into the minds of humanity has been Satan’s battle plan from the beginning. Things have gotten so much easier for him and his host of wickedness in the modern day of technology. Now, he has the internet, news media, social media, and even the coming Metaverse to spread the many things he would like you to think about. They don’t even all need to be lies or half-truths, but they do need to pique your interest so that they can occupy your every thought or immigration. This is Satan’s battle plan. When we open the window to the world it won’t take long to see the many things occupying the minds of humanity. Many of these thoughts can immediately lead us down a very dark alley with recurring thoughts that could cause us to face our worst nightmares. Most thoughts, coming at us are meant only to keep us occupied, filling our minds with things that we keep thinking about all day and even throughout the night. These thoughts come in like a flood, from the ruthless political infighting to the latest technology or scientific breakthrough, and from observing the shocking lawlessness to thoughts of fulfilling your every carnal desire. Moreover, we are inundated with thoughts that turn into worry or fear about global warming, impending war, and the next virus.

Furthermore, we are constantly exposed to the worldwide acceptance of evolution, alternative lifestyles, and choosing one’s own gender. We are confronted with endless scientific discoveries or the worldwide acceptance of psychology that questions the authority and sufficiency of Holy Scripture. Humanity is consumed with these thoughts nearly every moment of every day. It is essential that we take an inventory of what we think about and how much time we spend on certain thoughts and imaginations. If you are honest, it will shock you or even haunt you, so we must learn the power to win the battle in our minds. There is some great advice in the Bible about casting out vain imaginations or anything else that would exalt itself against the knowledge of God (II Corinthians 20:4-5). There is great advice to monitor our every thought and if they don’t align with our Christian character then we must refuse to think about it (Philippians 4:8). The Bible is replete with information on how to overcome the old sin nature by immediately casting out evil thoughts or vain imaginations and replacing them with righteous and holy thoughts (Ephesians 4:22-27). The power to win this battle in our minds is available to every believer in Christ.

Furthermore, and more specific to our study today is what the Bible says next, “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ” (I Corinthians 2:16). We know from Scripture and from experience to claim that we have the mind of Christ seems like foolishness to the carnal man but to us, it is the power of God. To have the mind of Christ allows us, and even leads us, to think His thoughts after Him. This is the power that will win the battle in our minds. The devil has no control over the one who has the mind of Christ, for our mind is given great strength and power to resist. We can resist every so-called emotional and psychological problem. We can resist every temptation from the devil. We can resist in our mind all that the devil can throw at us. We have the mind of Christ.  I can tell you, with all assurance, that the thoughts of Christ are not following the thoughts of the world. The mind of Christ is not focused on who wins the next election or the many other news stories filling our minds every day. As we shall see, the mind of Christ is focused on His original mission, which has not changed in two thousand years.

Just as the thoughts of Christ came from His Father, God, during His ministry, they come now in the hearts and minds of His followers. The mind of Christ then and now is still focused on His original mission. To have the mind of Christ allows us to share His desires for building the Kingdom of God, which is seen so clearly in the Lord’s Prayer. The mission of Jesus Christ is so important that it’s at the core of our daily prayer. If we look at the Lord’s Prayer the whole mission is summarized in one sentence, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Thy kingdom come should speak volumes. The only way that God’s kingdom will ever come is by leading people, all people, to believe in the message of the Cross. This is not just a message of acceptance. It is a message of belief in all things taught through the Holy Spirit. It is a message of describing in detail how to pick up our cross, die to self, and follow Christ (Luke 9:23). There is great power in this simple message that opens the door to the Kingdom and eternal life (Romans 1:16). When we follow Christ on mission then we are fulfilling His command to do His will on earth as it is in heaven. The mind of Christ is unreservedly dedicated to the mission. When we follow Christ on His mission it is an amazing journey with one little miracle after another.

When we have the mind of Christ and follow Him on mission, then it’s much easier to step out on faith doing the impossible. I have witnessed this many times in my walk with Christ. Not only do we have the power to do the impossible, but we also have the wisdom and the ability to withdraw from an unproductive encounter that’s not mission centric. Having the mind of Christ on mission is a most beautiful thing because He always gives us the right words to say, to convict, to encourage, and to help others to solve their unrelenting problems. To have the mind of Christ encourages us through the indwelling Spirit to be in the right place at the right time, either by holding back for a moment or going somewhere quickly to meet an individual ready to hear the Gospel or to be helped in their spiritual growth. To have the mind of Christ never blindly rushes ahead; to do so, one could miss many beautiful opportunities. The timing of Christ working all things together for good on mission is an amazing thing always to be treasured in our hearts. What a wonder it is to witness Christ working through us on mission. Finally, the devil has no power to stand against this mission. To have the mind of Christ and follow Him on mission has great power to win the battle in our minds by staying focused on establishing His Kingdom here on earth. Amen

The greatest phrase to open the door of opportunity for sharing the Gospel is, “Remember that God loves you.” Please see my latest book, “God’s Loving Pursuit.