ODJ: exercised


March 28, 2013 

READ: Romans 7:14-25 


I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway (v.19).


On all fours with the grass pressing into my hands and knees, I was already backing out of my goal. I had recently enlisted the help of a friend to improve my muscle strength and endurance. On this particular night, we were at a local park doing athletic and aerobic exercises. While my legs were completing the lifting exercises to strengthen my muscles, my mind desperately looked for a way out of having to run the last lap of our workout. I was convinced I had nothing left.


John 14:27 reminds us that when it comes to the battleground of the mind, Christ promises us a peace that doesn’t come from this world’s arena. In the midst of temptation, though, we may find ourselves in heated negotiations with thoughts that threaten to derail our spiritual perspective. Paul highlighted this very tension in Romans 8:6, which says, “Letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” While the Christian walk is one founded in faith, God engages our minds as well as our hearts (Hebrews 10:16).


In the battle between flesh and spirit (Romans 7:22-25), self-help strategies and logical arguments fail to move spiritual strongholds. Likewise an attempt to avoid a confrontation with the enemy through compromise will only bring us into further bondage.

Miraculous to be sure, victory arrives when we follow God’s process. Our desperate call to God in our struggles and our choice to obey (Psalm 119:169-170,173), one decision at a time, bring us to the place of authority where we can then take down the “rebellious thoughts” (2 Corinthians 10:5) that stand contrary to the work Christ accomplished on the cross. Like physical exercise, it’s not a one off process but rather a practice for life. —Regina Franklin


MORE
Read Colossians 4:2 and 2 Timothy 4:5-8 to see the importance of training our minds based on the truth of the Word, not only in thought but in action as well. 
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Why is the mind such a powerful tool in the fight for righteousness? How can you gain victory in your mind?