Ask a little child why do people kill and they usually respond saying, "Because they want to." Such a simple, yet accurate, answer to a complex question. Amazing isn't it, a young child has some concept of what motives are? But as adults we tend to dig deeper than the surface by asking, "why." We wonder why that person committed murder. Usually some superficial motive like greed, lust, hate, or revenge is argued. Although greed, lust, hate, and revenge are motives, they are superficial in that they are simply surface motivators; the source motive may run much deeper then greed, lust, hate, and revenge. Call these core source motives dynamic traits. Sinful dynamic traits are what strongholds are built on. Strongholds are tricky in that they build walls around these dynamic traits hiding them from the conscious mind leaving us in the dark and feeling hopeless. If traits are hidden from us do we really know ourselves? Also what can we do to not only expose strongholds, but tear them down and address the dynamic trait?
God says in Jeremiah 17:9 our heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it. David cries out saying, "Search me O God and know my heart and see if there is any wicked way in me." The Apostle Paul in Romans 7:15 admits what he is doing he does not understand. Two prolific men of the Bible saying they do not really understand themselves? What is going on? Apparently these guys needed some counseling, but who counsels these counselors?
Allow me to introduce a close personal friend, mentor, guide, and counselor who addresses these strongholds. His name is the Holy Spirit. One of his roles is performing long division on the heart. Let me first warn you, this flawless surgeon leaves no remainders when He is done with his mathematical surgery. The Holy Spirit's method is quite intriguing. Here is what I suggest.
Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16). But if you regard iniquity in your heart, the Lord will not hear (Psalm 66:18). However, God heeded their prayer because they put their trust in Him (1 Chronicles:20).
1 comment:
You are so right about the strongholds masking themselves within our dynamic traits! How often I have counseled concerning one problem and in reality the deeper issues are the real culprit. Our society has become adept at treating symptoms (mental and physical) for a temporary fix but the Holy Spirit will reveal the true issues or strongholds in our life. Unfortunately, most people are afraid of what they may find out about themselves.
Shouldn't you be praying or something? Why don't you go ask the Holy Spirit what you should pray for me about.
Great job and keep them coming.
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