How can we guard against "unspiritual" influences in our spiritual walk? The Challenge of Unspiritual Influences “Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” (James 3:15) • Scripture identifies a counterfeit wisdom—impressive on the surface, yet rooted in the earthbound, the fleshly, and even the demonic. • The danger is subtle: what feels “reasonable” can slip in and shape our thinking if we are not alert. Recognizing the Unspiritual Wisdom • Earthly: driven by cultural values, success metrics, or popularity (Colossians 2:8). • Unspiritual: appeals to the senses and emotions apart from the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14). • Demonic: ultimately opposed to God, sowing envy, bitterness, and disorder (James 3:14,16). Signs it is influencing us: – Rationalizing sin or compromise. – Measuring worth by human approval. – Growing cynicism toward God’s Word. Strategies to Guard Our Hearts 1. Saturate the mind with Scripture • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • Memorize, meditate, and apply truth daily. 2. Test every idea • “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits…” (1 John 4:1) • Ask: Does this align with the character of Christ and the plain teaching of Scripture? 3. Capture rogue thoughts • “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5) • Replace speculations with explicit biblical truth. 4. Guard your heart’s affections • “Guard your heart with all diligence…” (Proverbs 4:23) • Limit media or relationships that normalize ungodliness. 5. Walk by the Spirit • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Invite His guidance moment by moment; obey promptings to flee temptation. Cultivating Godly Wisdom • James 3:17 paints the contrast: pure, peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, merciful, fruitful, impartial, sincere. • Pray for and practice these traits; they crowd out the unspiritual counterfeit. Staying Rooted in Christ • Regular fellowship: iron sharpens iron (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Worship and gratitude refocus the heart on God’s greatness. • The armor of God—especially “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17)—equips us for daily battles. Practical Takeaways • Start each day with Romans 12:2: renew the mind before the world can shape it. • Keep a running “thought audit” journal—note influences, compare to Scripture, submit to Christ. • Deliberately choose uplifting inputs: Christ-honoring music, books, conversations. • When conviction comes, respond quickly; repentance shuts the door on demonic footholds. Guarding against unspiritual influences is not a one-time event but a lifestyle of vigilance, continual renewal, and joyful dependence on the wisdom that “comes from above.” |
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