The last several months I’ve struggled with some relationships due to hurt feelings, gossips and slandering, and hard-heartedness. As a human it’s natural to want everyone to like you, but the truth is no one will ever accomplish that. So then I’ve prayerfully considered if I should reach out to some again. As I was reading this morning a small portion of a book I’m reading about satanic schemes and how everyday people are used to come against us in spiritual warfare, I came upon a Scripture that literally jumped off the page:

“This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” (Eph 4:17-19) What popped out specifically is walking around with futile and darkened minds, either on my own or with those whose minds are darkened.

A reason for this message comes from what I studied last week in Romans: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.” (Rom 1:18-19)

And then the Holy Spirit reminded me of another passage, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Eph 5:8-11)

I was reminded that I not only used to walk in darkness, but I WAS darkness as all sinful men are, but now I am to walk as God’s child of light and avoid those who choose to walk in the futility of their minds with blind hearts. “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” (Rom 16:17)

It’s time to take my eyes off events that have transpired and put my eyes back on Jesus, the perfecter of my faith. Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness even when I am unfaithful. Thank You for Your answer, and what I need to do instead of focusing on the temporary that will pass away. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Rom 12:1-2)