As we consider the armor of God and the different elements of our spiritual warfare, we often consider the outward elements of protection and armor. We put on armor to guard against the outside forces we battle, but there is something else that is incredibly important as well. The Bible instructs us to not only remain vigilant against external threats, but to guard our hearts and minds as well.

Our internal thoughts and feelings benefit from our diligent monitoring and constant comparison to the instructions we receive through God’s Word. If we find that they are not according to God’s Word, then we must be diligent to fight against ourselves, to control our thoughts.

Proverbs 4:23 says, “keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Verse 4 of the same chapter encourages the readers to keep God’s words in our hearts and retain them. This becomes the core of who we are. Satan and his team of fallen angels can get beneath our armor when they sow seeds of doubt, fear, anxiety, and negativity in our hearts and minds. If they can get us to talk about them, then we can sow those seeds to others. Without effort the negativity can be destructive, and we might not even know we are in a fight!

It is so important to keep our awareness levels high. Peter tells us to take this seriously and be vigilant, knowing that Satan will attack us when and where he can (1 Peter 5:8). 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 helps us understand this concept further as he reminds us that the battle is spiritual and it is a battle to win our mind and motivation.

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled."

We can see that we have been given spiritual tools and weapons to use, even against our own thoughts, as we battle to become more like God. To win this battle, we take captive all thoughts contrary to God’s way. Those that are critical, fearful, jealous, hostile, covetous, angry, sarcastic, self-deprecating, manipulative and deceptive do not belong in our minds or mouths. As we follow this instruction, we identify these intruding thoughts and banish them from our minds. As a result, we change our hearts. This does not happen by accident or default; it is the result of continual diligent, persistent effort.

Philippians 4 gives us some additional instruction for this battle. We learn that we must not only banish and defeat negative patterns of thinking and speaking, but also replace those thoughts with something positive and godly. We learn that if we do this we will be successful, as God will ensure it. He will continue the battle for us.

"Rejoice in the Lord always! . . . Be anxious for nothing, but in prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you" (Philippians 4:4-9).

Let’s be strong in the Lord as we fight the battle. Let’s look to Him, pray to Him, and fill our hearts and minds with His words so that we can win the war on the inside. “And my God will supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19). 

Fight the good fight, brothers and sisters!