Turn on the Light
A lie cannot have any effect on you unless you believe it, and neither can a curse. Suppose a “significant other” called you stupid and worthless. That is a curse, which is a judgmental statement or threat. The offending person is wrong to say such things, but what affect can it have on you? It could have a crippling affect if you believed it. You would likely feel offended or violated. If others were present you would probably feel embarrassed. Such statements can wound a person for years prompting a need to forgive the offender, or stay bound to the past.
A secure Christian could respond differently. They should recognize that the offender is operating in the flesh, and is definitely in the wrong to say such things. They should recall to their minds who they are in Christ, and there is no need to defend themselves. The offender is the one who is hurting. That is easier to recognize in the natural realm, but the accuser of the brethren operates incognito and the “thoughts” usually come first person singular: I’m no good. I’m stupid, etc. It is so important to know who we are in Christ and understand the “schemes” of the devil.
In one sense it doesn’t make any difference where tempting, accusing, lying, and blasphemous thoughts come from. You could come up with those thoughts yourself from imbedded lies you believed a long time ago. It could come directly from someone else or the social media through our natural senses, or you could be paying attention to a deceiving spirit. In either case it is our responsibility to know and choose to believe the truth. If you tried to rebuke every negative thought, that is all you will be doing for the rest of your life. Scripture does not instruct us to stop thinking negative thoughts, which doesn’t work. We are instructed to think about whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and whatever is commendable, excellent and worthy of praise (Phil. 4:8). We are not called to dispel the darkness. We are called to turn on the light. Demons are like cockroaches. They scurry around in the darkness, but head for the shadows when the lights comes on. “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (Jn. 1:4.5).
Dr. Neil
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