And Jesus also died so that you might take up a sword and raise the resistance. He died so that you might “renounce ungodliness and worldly passions” and live a “self-controlled, upright, and godly [life] in the present age” (Titus 2:12) He died so that, by the power of his Holy Spirit, you might build some walls, raise some barricades, and defend the city.

I've been praying against vain imaginations, lust and prideful thoughts not only for myself but for the body of Christ… that our focus will GROW with more and more intensity for the Father. No BS, no entertaining lustful thoughts or looks at what others have or we we don’t have (specifically around social media addiction), no vain imaginations that speak against our fruitful destiny for us (internal self-talk and comparisons), our children or our children’s children (keeping fully in mind the things we are doing… or not doing… will effect the next two generations of our family). What will and should we change in the immediate future that is not moving us toward God or pleasing to God. Also to bear that anything that is not moving us toward the Father is drawing us away, slowly but surely.

"Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened." Romans 1:21

So we are growing in our knowledge of God. so we do the opposite of what they did. We GLORIFY HIM in our every breath and action in what we look at and think about and what we do. We are THANKFUL to HIM for everything - every trial and situation, good or bad because he is building in us a weight of glory that we will carry our cross with and GLORIFY HIM as savior and King (Glorify means with the conduct of our life inner life and outward life toward others). Lastly we get rid of all foolishness and vanity (focus on self) and vain imaginations (that junk we think about that we know God is not pleased with).

"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;..." 2 Corinthians 10:5

Father forgive us for taking you so casually. Forgive us for being more sin conscious than Son (or Daughter) conscious. We give you full access and presence in every moment of every breath of our lives. May our will align to yours and may we see through the lens of eternity the ways and results of our actions.

Reality check:

• Where do you often find your imaginations drifting toward?
• What are the areas in your life that you secretly exude excessive pride in or admiration of your own appearance, achievements or attitudes toward?
• How will you change these things? Or, how will you allow God to work within you to begin that change?
• When will you start?
• Who do you trust enough that you can bring into the conversation to help keep you accountable?

Record your answers.

These are critical questions because you do not want to, nor are you meant to, go this road alone. Also, if the answer is no one, in terms of trusting, you really should examine if and how you may have been wounded in the area of trust toward others. As well, how to resolve that hurt. One immediate remedy may be to think of someone older in the faith that you admire to some degree and simply bring up these questions/issues with them and go from there. The point is, we are meant to live and walk out our faith in levels of community and this is one area to start with.