We are not who our thoughts say we are.
I find that to be a very reassuring truth because many times my thoughts are far from "Christian." Everyone has thoughts that they are glad never get public attention. Sometimes our thoughts can even scare us. We ask, "Where did that come from?"
As we search the archives of our past, it is easy to think of ourselves as the only one who has felt a certain way. We can think of ourselves as freaks of nature - someone completely unworthy of God's love and acceptance. The Bible addresses these thought issues by tying our real identity to the image of God not the fallen state of man.
The Bible says that no temptation has come upon us except that which is common to man. And the apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Colossians that "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation — if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel."
Paul wrote about the fact that we were in enemies in our minds. But Jesus Christ has created a different reality by His own sacrifice on our behalf. His righteous works not anything that we have done gives a person right standing before God.
Paul wrote in Ephesians that we are God's workmanship, created for good works. Who are we to believe? Should we believe the evil thoughts planted by evil spirits and the forces of darkness? Or should we believe the Creator and Lord of the universe?
The devil wants you to believe the worst about yourself. But Jesus said that those who accept Him are part of the family of God. We are to be joint heirs with Him. Men are created in the image of God, and He wants to show us how to reclaim our true identity. While we can never be God, we can become like Him in character and develop His heart. God is looking for people who will be part of His plan to reclaim creation from the lies and darkness brought on by sin.
The real battle for our lives starts in our minds as we struggle to discover who we really are.
