IMPULSIVE THOUGHTS, INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS, VAIN IMAGINATIONS, KNEE-JERK REACTIONS AND THE VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

• impulsive - a sudden spontaneous inclination or incitement to some usually unpremeditated action; a propensity or tendency that is usually other than rational

• intrusive - unwanted, involuntary or distressing thoughts images or urges that can be strange, inappropriate, disturbing or violent.

• (vain) imaginations - thoughts about ourselves or others that are not based in reality but based on our flawed expectations, fears or defenses

• knee-jerk reactions - impulsive, unthoughtful, or hasty response to something

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17

The challenge of “taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” is in identifying where the thoughts come from and what type of thoughts they are. Apart from the Holy Spirit within us, the fleshly mind is seeing and filtering input through the “lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life.” The “wisdom from above” sees through the eyes of Christ revealing the will, the heart, of Abba Father.

The strategic battleground that the enemy is trying to dominate is our thought life. A divided (double) mind produces a divided heart which comes out as destructive emotion and speech. The tongue directs our course, sets into motion our actions and through response the actions and attitudes of those around us. It is so important to remember that our birthright as sons and daughters of the King is His peace ruling, reigning and guarding our hearts. The enemy’s strategic focus is on capturing our hearts through introducing fear, doubt, unbelief, malice, guilt, condemnation and judgment in our thoughts. The divided mind, dominated by the “wisdom of men” keeps many believers out of peace and according to the Book of James, it renders us incapable of receiving from God.

Aligning our thoughts with His revealed will is the key to overcoming the strategies of the enemy in his attempt to use random thoughts to create double mindedness. Take a look at the definitions above and see how often the enemy is using those types of thoughts to bring strife, turmoil and chaos into your mind and life. Resist the devil, receive the revelation of the Holy Spirit that exposes the lies, reveals the will of the Father and lead to victory and peace. Receive the wisdom from above.