“Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.” Matthew 12:25 ESV
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5 KJV
Have you ever heard the old expression, “I’m sometimes my own worst enemy?” It’s not uncommon for people to judge themselves for areas of their lives they might deem inadequate or to walk around feeling defeated by their circumstances. Many years ago, I could possibly have been Self-Criticism’s poster child. During that time in my life, I carried what felt like the weight of the world on my shoulders, leaving my heart burdened with loneliness and despair. I even blamed myself for situations that were not of my own choosing. It seemed that my mind’s “stinkin’ thinkin’” button had been pushed, and the light was stuck on green.
We’ve all experienced moments or seasons of self-criticism and unhealthy thoughts. We know that this way of thinking doesn’t come from God, but from the enemy of our souls—the one who wants to render us useless in our work for the Kingdom of God. If we are ever going to live free of constant negativity toward ourselves and others, we must take action and kick it to the curb. Our spiritual mind and negative thoughts cannot live together in harmony. There can be no lasting peace in a house divided. We need God’s help to rearrange and change things that will not benefit us. He is more than willing to help us reprogram our minds to be more in line with the mind of Christ. That doesn’t mean we will never have another negative or unhealthy thought, but it does mean that we will be more aware of our thought life. When we are aware, we are better able to stay focused on what honors God and is best for us. Memorizing and praying Psalm 51:10 has been helpful for me. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
Through our faith in Jesus Christ, we can be set free from things that will keep us harnessed to self-criticism, self-doubt, and all the other mind games Satan often hurls our way. While he is the master of deception, knowing that no circumstance or person is beyond God’s reach is reassuring. He alone knows how to help us eliminate the negative thoughts that Satan plants in our hearts and minds. Through God’s help and guidance, we can live a victorious life in Christ by putting away those things that hinder our walk with the Lord. We don’t have to do it alone, for the Holy Spirit is there to help us keep our spiritual house clean and free of unnecessary and unhealthy clutter.
As I write these words, I invite you to look up, knowing that God is ready to help you conquer your sometimes worst enemy—yourself. Those negative, self-destructive, and toxic thoughts may have been born from the lies you’ve been told over the years, but they are no match for the love of our Heavenly Father. He will meet you where you are and begin there. The labels others have given you or those you’ve given yourself are not permanent. It may feel that way, but they don’t have to be. I’m thrilled to share with you that God is in the business of changing labels and rewriting stories! If you allow Him to, He will do a new and beautiful work in your life.
Today, I am filled with eternal gratitude for the new work that began in my heart when I started seeing myself as a masterpiece of God’s love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy. I finally understood the true source of the lies that had plagued my mind for so long. It was in surrendering my mind to the Lord Jesus Christ, that I was able to confidently declare that the game of Self-Criticism was over! With the Holy Spirit as my guide, I learned to love myself and others in a way that more accurately portrays the depth of God’s love for all mankind. How great is our God!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are the mender of broken hearts and cluttered minds. You hold the key to our spiritual health through our relationship with Jesus Christ. Thank You for changing our hearts to resemble the heart of Jesus more closely. We have far to go, but we know and trust that You are with us every step, shaping and reshaping us to be of greater service to You. We love You so much and are thankful for Your presence living within us this day. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
