Transitory Psychosis

Battle. Warfare. Struggle. All those words and many like them are used to describe the Christ-followers day-to-day fight against our all-too-human desire to think and do that which displeases God. In 21 years as a pastor, it is safe to say that the majority of questions I received from fellow believers had to do with achieving daily victory over “the old man”–the person we were before entering new life in Christ.

I won’t take time here to explain all the differences between the “religious” or self-described “spiritual” person and the true follower of Jesus Christ, but trust me, the differences are legion–both on the pages of Scripture and in the crucible of life.

In short, the true Christ-follower has experienced a spiritual rebirth, sealed by the indwelling of the Spirit of God. That event sparks a warfare–a battle between the flesh (the person we were) and the Spirit. This warfare is a day-by-day, minute-by-minute reality. Our world caters to the flesh at every turn, encouraging us to indulge it in a million ways ranging from laziness to lying, from rage to rebellion, from stealing to sexual sin.

Of course, most Christ-followers don’t fall prey to the outward sins everyone can see. We’re quite adept at keeping up the image of I’ve-got-it-all-together goodness. Still, the battle rages in private. So what’s the key to consistently winning this fight and doing what pleases God instead of what does not? In a simple phrase: Feed the spirit, starve the flesh.

When I say feed the spirit, I’m talking about engaging in those things that strengthen your relationship with Christ, bolster your resolve to do His will, fill your mind with His truth, and direct your thoughts to that which pleases Him. (See Philippians 4:8.) Starving the flesh is abstaining from those things that weaken your relationship with Christ, ease your resolve to do His will, fill your mind with the world’s “truth,” and direct your thoughts toward that which does not please Christ.

The next time you consider an entertainment, recreation, or activity ask yourself: Will this feed my spirit or feed my flesh? Then choose that which feeds the spirit.

This simple approach is not the perfect equation, but it is a step in the right direction. “Set your mind on things above,” wrote Paul (Col. 3:2). I’m convinced it is the key to winning against temptation, again and again.

What do you have too little of? Ask that question to people and you’re likely to get answers like money, time, sleep, or love. While I can relate on all counts, I’m convinced I have an even greater need: wisdom. I don’t think I’m alone, either.

The book of Proverbs is all about wisdom–how to get it, how to keep it, and how to use it. Interestingly, wisdom is often personified as a woman (“she”) in Proverbs. (Maybe Solomon was trying to tell us something, guys.) Proverbs is clear about the value of wisdom. I won’t take time to write out the verses, but grab a Bible and look at what gaining true wisdom (the kind God gives) will do for you.

1. Wisdom will make you happy (3:13). It will raise the level of joy and satisfaction in your life.
2. Wisdom is more valuable that riches (3:14-15). Nothing compares with it.
3. Wisdom will give you a long life (3:16a).
4. Wisdom will bring you riches and honor (3:16b). These riches are measured in more than money.
5. Wisdom results in pleasantness and peace (3:17). Sin causes turmoil. Wisdom calms the seas.
6. Wisdom gives you courage (3:21-24). That’s because the wise trust God!
7. Wisdom enables you to be victorious (21:22). To the wise, no obstacle is too great.
8. Wisdom brings deliverance (28:26). It sets us free from bondage.

For these reasons and many more, growing in wisdom should be the goal of every believer. So how do you know if you are wise? More about that later…