When we turn our lives over to God, Satan is dethroned from our hearts. But that certainly doesn’t mean he gives upon us! We soon find out that the devil must now attack his lost subject primarily through the mind. In this arena of conflict he demonstrates his wiles gained from thousands of years’ experience in deceiving and destroying humanity. To counter this force, we must be extremely alert and quick to detect the incursion on Satan’s part. If even a portion of the mind is given over to him, he is but a step from the throne room of the heart. This is one purpose for the armor which Paul tells us is so essential to the Christian (Ephesians 6:11).
Satan’s perversion of things that are not sin in themselves is a grave danger to the Christian. Paul said, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12). As we explore several of these areas, let’s learn how best to guard against the enemy gaining a foothold into our minds.
In this lesson we will examine the positive and negative aspects of certain lawful activities, in order to remind ourselves to be spiritually sensitive in all decisions regarding what we allow our minds to dwell on.
- If asked to name the number one mind-invading, time-robber existing in the United States, the vast majority of people would no doubt come up with the same answer: the television. Whether television is broadcast in the traditional over-the-air way, via cable or satellite dish, or through the internet with live streaming and on-demand services, the television continues to impact the lives of most Americans on a daily basis. Recent statistics tell us that each person watches an average of four hours and thirty-nine minutes every day. Numerous books and articles have been written about the impact of television on the family. While we cannot consider the subject at length here, take some time to consider what you personally know about television and what you have read about its effects on viewers. Then read Psalm 101:3 and write what you believe is the place the Lord would have television occupy in His followers’ lives.
- There is no doubt that the internet has revolutionized the world in the last decades. With its global broadcasting capability and convenience, information dissemination, and interaction capabilities with no regard for geographic location, the internet is a widespread information infrastructure with new and growing entertainment platforms and influences. What problems do you feel could arise due to the easy access to the internet? What are some of the challenges that result from having very little regulation of content found on the internet?
- Internet addictions affect the lives of millions of people worldwide. What role does privacy of use play in internet addictions? List a number of prevalent internet addictions. What are the symptoms? What are the consequences?
- Hobbies are an excellent form of recreation, and many stimulating pastimes can be mentioned. Social networking has certainly gained popularity as individuals can display their personal interests, invite feedback, make groups, and participate in discussion forums on varying topics. What dangers to our spiritual walk can this present? What impact can hobbies and social networking have on our priorities? What are some Christian responsibilities that should govern our hobbies and use of social networking?
- The use of “smart” devices (personal electronics with internet connections) has taken the world by storm. These devices are not only capable of voice, text, and and video communication but also include software programs for specific uses, such as music, games, navigation, etc. What are advantages and disadvantages of having these items at our fingertips? Does it matter what kind of music we listen to? What are some good applications that will encourage us in our spiritual walk?
- Have you ever read a book or a magazine, or surfed to a website where you read a blog or an e-zine that left you with an uneasy feeling? Or perhaps you perused the books at your local bookstore and came across a subject matter that left you discouraged. How about when you came across a topic that left you feeling uplifted? We know that one of the purposes of publishing materials is to deliver information and ideas. As readers, we are the recipients of these ideas, so we must be cautious about accepting all ideas the authors present, especially since we are surrounded by user-generated and unassessed content. What are the potential dangers we as Christians face from online reading materials, books, youtube videos, etc.? What can we do to guard against this? What should be the guidelines we use when selecting reading material?
- Have you ever considered how much of your life is spent at your place of employment? The average workplace in America is seldom fertile ground for spiritual growth. Rather, it is often a constant drain on the godly mind. The language, the subjects discussed, and other worldly distractions can sap our spiritual strength. If we only spent an hour a week in these types of surroundings, we might not have difficulty facing them. But forty hours is much different. Working among worldly people for long hours can break the unwary mind down and lower resistance to Satan’s invasion. We have to work to support ourselves and our families (1 Timothy 5:8), but what advice would you offer to someone having trouble dealing with the distractions at his job that are making him spiritually lean? What are some ways we can be effective witnesses in today’s place of employment?
- Of course we know the Lord would like His people to live full lives and enjoy lawful activities in moderation. While Satan would like us to misuse our minds, God is able to help us make good use of them. Read Philippians 4:7-9. How can this Scripture help us avoid mind invasion?
- As you have considered these various “mind-invaders,” what would you say would be a clear warning sign for a person having problems with Satan’s attempting to regain control of his mind and heart through lawful activities.
CHALLENGE YOURSELF
This lesson presented many areas of our lives that Satan tries to use to gain access to our minds. Did you find yourself reacting strongly to any of them? If so, stop for a minute and challenge yourself as to how you could better serve the Lord in that area.
SCRIPTURES USED IN THIS SESSION: Psalm 101:3; 1 Corinthians 6:12; Ephesians 6:11; Philippians 4:7-9
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