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Revelation 2:12-17 ESV
“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’
REFERENCES: Revelation 19:11-16, Philippians 4:8, Isaiah 26:3, Numbers 22-24
Our mind is a remarkably complex place. On the one hand, it is the seat of logical thought and creative imagination that, under the right influence, has the ability to positively impact the world. However, when the mind is corrupted with negativity and lies, the actions that follow will have dire consequences. Such was the case for the church of Pergamum. While they were able to remain faithful in the face of outside persecution, internal deception polluted their congregation, resulting in tainted doctrine, sexual immorality and idolatrous practices contrary to God’s will. Just like them, we are in a constant battle of the mind, which extends into our actions. The good news is, we have the indestructible double-edged sword of God’s truth in hand, enabling us to win the war.
If you do not know God’s truth, you will be bound by the enemy’s lies.
While God commends His people for keeping the faith during times of challenge, He will also correct us. It is important to remember that even though we live in this world, we are not to be corrupted by it. God will use encouragement and correction to wake us up for the calling and the plan that He has for our life.
When we choose to follow Jesus, we’re instructed to repent, and change our minds. Instead of being conformed by the world, our thoughts are transformed and in a constant place of renewal.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8
Let us hold onto the simple truth that God commits. He commits to be our ever present help. To walk with us through the valley of shadows, or on the highest of mountain tops. The enemy may not be able to curse you, but if you allow him, he will try to corrupt you. But friends, who the Son sets free, is free indeed! The battle of our mind, soul, and heart has already been won. God commits to freely give us peace beyond our understanding, hidden manna. We must also do our part of committing back to Him, in not following the deception and lies of the enemy, but standing firm to the double edge sword of Jesus’s words.
What have you willfully been crashing into? Think, review, and repent. Once you repent from those things you are deliberately practicing, start to filter your thoughts, fight to keep the correct thoughts, and focus on God's words as part of your daily thought pattern.
