There are three dangerous mindsets that the Devil uses to break us down to compromise. These mindsets are an acid to our judgment and ultimately, it can destroy anyone who unconsciously embraces it. So now, I am bringing these mindsets to consciousness to warn you.
This entry has been inspired by the message of pastor Harold J. Sala in CCF Alabang regarding family
1st mindset: Satan will tell you that God’s standards are too high
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” – Genesis 3:1
Satan will tell you that you are not capable of living up to God’s standards. He will tell you it’s impossible therefore you have to be what you are – human. And when you make a mistake he’ll tell you to tell yourself that.Isn’t that why we always say ‘I’m only human’ whenever we fail to reach expectations?
For the world, God’s standards will always be too high. That is because He is God and He is perfect. We are marred by sin and imperfection, but the Holy Spirit enables us to be more than just who we are. We are called to be more than humans.
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” – 1 John 3:1-2
We are called to be children of God. And as His children, we are called to be like Him – in His rulership, in His character, in His love. Just as children imitate their father or mother, so we are called to imitate God. This is who we are. This is what we were meant to be by God. Not to ‘be human’ as the world imprints on you to be.
2nd mindset: Satan will tell you ‘One time won’t matter. One time can’t hurt.’
“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” – Genesis 3:6-7
Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Once. Just once. And when it happened, God didn’t tell them ‘Oh maybe you didn’t hear what I said…’ and gave them another chance.
“So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.” – Genesis 3:23-24
Once was all it took for the whole of human race and history to be tarnished by sin, war, famine, pestilence, disease, hate, bitterness, and ultimately, evil. One disobedience was all it took for Adam and Eve and all their descendants to surely die. One sin. One whole race. Once is all the Devil needs to break you down.
One time of sin can result in a lifetime of consequences. Having sex one time can get you pregnant. Having an affair once can give you an STD you’d have to live with for the rest of your life. Once is all the Devil needs to change your life.
3rd mindset: Satan will tell you ‘God won’t be able to forgive what you did anymore’
This is a crippling message that Satan will pummel into your head. When he makes you think that you’re too deep down on your own sin that God’s grace won’t be able to reach you anymore. This is one of the most effective strategies Satan uses even to Christians today. This is a lie. This lie will make you binge and sin more and more thinking ‘I’m already in deep trouble, why not make the most of it?’
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Sin is sin but God is God. He makes the rules. He can forgive if only we confess our sins.
“No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” – John 8:11
We don’t stop with the forgiveness of our sins. We have to repent, turn to God, and turn away from a life of sin.
“First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.” – Acts 26:20
The proof of repentance are your deeds. Are you going back to your sinfulness? Or have you really changed and turn to God? Yes we still fall and make mistakes, but when our hearts are set on God, we sin less and less.
Think Straight
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12: 2
These are some of the most powerful lies the Devil can use to shift your mind to the way of compromise. Be conscious about it and learn God’s truths. Live by God’s standards. Turn to God – that is how you can turn from sin. One mistake can change your life – don’t let it happen.
