TEMPERED (STRENGTHENED) BY TRUTH
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high place. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with the truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.” Ephesians 6:14
During my early years in Christ I tended to be a mile wide and an inch deep in my endeavors. Relationships, work, church, family, health, time with the Lord, and doing what I do best all suffered when I lived beyond my capacity to experience Christ’s abundant life for me. I had to learn, and I am still learning, to allow the Spirit of Truth to lead me in His best and say no to other competing “good” opportunities. Truth tempers my temperament from doing everything, so I am able to do a few things at my very best. Truth holds me secure to stand firm grounded in grace.
Paul describes a faithful Christian who takes the first step of dressing her spiritual life by first attaching the belt of truth which holds secure all the other attributes. Truth from the Truth—Jesus facilitates all other weapons to work together in tandem to expose the devil’s lies. The truth of God is the Sword of the Spirit—The Word of God. So sharp that its discernment is precise— always accurate, revealing our depths of motivation and desire. Wisdom is able to harness emotions to be led by truth—set free to express pure love, joy, peace, patience and kindness.
“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13
Do you marinate your mind with truth? Similar to preparing a delicious dinner dish, take the time to cover your thoughts with the seasoning of Christ’s wisdom. Feast on tasty morsels of truth that flush out fears and satisfy your soul with His love. Lazy thinking looks on life with a poor memory of what God has done, what God is doing and what God will do. By faith, anticipate the Lord’s grace, and you will experience a perfect measure of His love to get you through today.
A little bit of preparation goes a long way in a daily routine of renewing our mind with truth that frees us from Satan’s ploys. I am learning to accomplish physical exercise, I pack my gym bag the night before and place it by the door, so I am prepared to battle my body’s physical inertia. In the same way, the night before we can prepare our spot to sit with our Savior Jesus. Prep the coffee pot, arrange a happy place with good lighting, a Bible, devotional resources, with soft instrumental hymns in the background. Truth wraps tight around our life through intimate time with Wisdom.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there by any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
Prayer
Dear Lord, lead me away from lazy thinking into a mind marinated in your truth, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
How can I best prep the night before, anticipating my early morning time with God?
Related Reading
Isaiah 11:5, 59:17; Psalm 132:9; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 10:4
