by Emmett Smith

Luke’s account of Jesus’ casting out the demon called Legion uses an interesting phrase to describe the man afterwards. In Luke 8:35 we’re told that people from the entire region “went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind”. He had run wild, naked, and uncontrollable. Now they found him sitting at Jesus’ feet, clothed, and in his right mind.

Let’s focus on that last phrase – “in his right mind”. The influence of the evil one had deprived this poor man of his senses for a long time! Without delving further into the details of demon possession, then and now, let’s remember that the devil still works to prevent people from being right-minded. And the only way we become truly right-minded is at the Master’s feet! In his insightful Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis postulated that the evil one and his angels are able to place thoughts directly into our minds.

Certainly, human minds are accessible to God, as the many descriptions of visions in both Old and New Testament accounts attest. He knows our thoughts, and He can place content within our minds at will. And Satan accessed Judas’ thoughts according to John 13:2 (see also the case of Ananias in Acts 5). Thus, Lewis’ Screwtape hypothesis is not necessarily that great a stretch. But even if you don’t accept that idea, it must be conceded that Satan uses many different media to invade our hearts and minds, whether conscious or unconscious. And the Bible plainly states that we’re to guard against that invasion.

Solomon said “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23). The apostle Paul, reminding the Corinthians of the spiritual nature of our conflict, said “For we overthrow arrogant `reckonings,´ and every stronghold that towers high in defiance of the knowledge of God, and we carry off every thought as if into slavery -- into subjection to Christ;” (2 Corinthians 10:5, WEY). Obviously, as Christians we must exercise thought control!

But what does this mean to us as a practical matter? Paul’s language leaves little doubt does it? Just how serious are we in guarding our hearts? Is that seriousness reflected in the choices we make? What about movies, TV, music, novels, web surfing, etc.? God won’t force us to make the right choices, but He most certainly will hold us accountable! The first chapter of Romans discusses this very issue after verse 17, citing vain imaginations and darkened hearts as reasons for God’s wrath against unrighteousness. Verse 28 says “God gave them over to a reprobate mind” because of the thoughts they chose to entertain.

That’s quite a contrast isn’t it? A right mind versus a reprobate mind. The battle for our hearts and minds is real. Ironically, we’re the ones who determine its final outcome.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.