What's Holding You Back?Sample

DEMOLISHING ARGUMENTS

How often do you think about what you are thinking about?

How often do you destructively ruminate on thoughts that feed destructive emotions?

In 2 Corinthians 10:5, the text tells us also to demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. The KJV uses the phrase "casting down imaginations" for the word "arguments," and the biblical meaning is to destroy computations (mathematical calculations) or reasonings that are hostile to the Christian faith. In other words, arguments are judgments or decisions that set themselves up against God.

From a psychological perspective, it is interesting to note that our internal narratives drive our behavior. This means that the stories we tell ourselves and believe impact how we choose to protect ourselves from feeling further pain. Scripture is so full of psychology. This text is an excellent example because it tells us to demolish strongholds (our behaviors) built and based on arguments (our beliefs), which also have to be destroyed.

For example:

If a person experiences abuse, their mindset may conclude that "all people can't be trusted," which drives the self-protecting behavior to "never show personal need to others," which becomes the stronghold of isolation.

The call is to proactively assess our beliefs and behaviors and destroy anything that pulls us away from the ways of God. Eliminating destructive thinking is not a once-off exercise but something we should proactively be regularly engaging in. This is because many destructive beliefs began in childhood and have moved into our unconscious minds. Additionally, a child's thinking is often irrational, so growing awareness of this space can be life-changing. In tomorrow's devotion, we will dig deeper into the enemy's role in keeping people from living out their full potential.

REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS:

• Are there spaces in your life driven by fear due to your internal narrative?
• Do these thoughts related to these spaces bring you peace or anxiety?
• Can you see a link between your concluding beliefs and protective behavior?

PRAY:

Lord, help me recall destructive beliefs holding me back from walking in the fullness of your plans for me. Help me grow my awareness around my thinking so that I can be set free in knowing my value in you. Amen