Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—Strengthening Yourself
The movement has spread to love yourself by taking care of your mind and body. Two of the goals are eliminating toxic people along with making healthy eating choices. Although mental, emotional, and physical health is important, our spiritual health is of utmost importance.
Listening to a Christian therapist describe the reason for the increase in mental illness in the Christian community was too complex for the average person. The topic of mental illness is explosive. We readily defend Christians who are anxious, worried, insecure, stressed out, and discouraged. According to the therapist anxiety and worry have surpassed depression.
When we accept Jesus as our personal Savior, the Apostle Paul tells us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The new person is healed of former mental and emotional issues that would prevent a healthy, thriving relationship with Christ.
Something is not right. Our lifestyle choices are draining our strength. We readily embrace popular worldviews that are a little truth blended with false teachings. Many have a form of godliness, yet they desire to hold on to the pleasures of the world.
Our daily habits remain the same after our spiritual transformation. We continue to chase selfish desires and hang out with unbelievers in our social circle. The trends of horoscope readings, tarot cards, crystals, contact with the dead, and seeking those who practice divination to tell the future are at an all-time high among many believers.
Christian social gatherings include dancing to worldly music. An individual who claims to tell you about your future [just for fun] may also be present. Satan has introduced concepts of self-healing and meditation using music that promises to bring peace. Disturbing our minds, even more, are desires for prosperity and to have a romantic relationship.
Social media is a platform to reveal your innermost secrets, share new and exciting ways to think and live, and worst of all, self-appointed prophets speak over your life. We embrace the music, movies, games, and lifestyles of the influencers that promote material gain, sexual immorality, and instant gratification.
There is no middle ground in serving God. We are required to give up every pleasure that does not honor God. Every thought, behavior, and activity should identify that we are a disciple of Jesus Christ and glorify God. Our minds become confused and distraught when attempting to serve two masters. Anxiety, worry, and depression reveal our spiritual priorities are not in alignment with God. Total obedience to God gives us inner peace and the reassurance that God will always keep His promises.
Therefore, be careful to obey every command I am giving you today, so you may have strength to go in and take over the land you are about to enter. If you obey, you will enjoy a long life in the land the Lord swore to give to your ancestors and to you, their descendants—a land flowing with milk and honey! (Deuteronomy 11:8-9)
Prayer: God, please search our hearts and reveal all that does not glorify You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 