When we face temptation in life or even when we go through different tests of life, the first place Satan attacks is our mind. Hence, it is important that we are aware of this and train ourselves to guard our minds.
We can also see examples in the Bible that teach us the need to guard our minds.
- Eve
The first sin of mankind began with Satan attacking the mind. In Genesis 3:1, we see the serpent approach the woman with a question: “Did He really say that?” He starts by questioning what they know, probably to create confusion. As we proceed further in Genesis 3:5, we see he puts in their mind a glimpse of what will happen if they eat the fruit—they will be like God, knowing good and evil.
The devil did not force them to eat the fruit, nor did he threaten them. He only painted a picture in her mind of what life might be like after eating the fruit.
In Genesis 3:6, we see that with this picture of life after eating the fruit, when she looked at the fruit this time, it was with a new perspective. The fruit she saw every day now looked more appealing.
So, it is important that we know that not every thought in our minds need to be entertained. Some thoughts need to stop at the very beginning. When the devil questioned God’s command, when he started with ‘Did God really say…’, Eve should have ended the conversation and spoken no further.
Similarly, the devil plays with our minds. For example, movies often paint a picture of romance that influences how we perceive the opposite gender. So it’s important that we be careful and filter what we watch or listen to.
- Jesus
Satan did not even spare Jesus. In Matthew 4, we see the devil tempting Jesus. In the first temptation, he uses the circumstance to his advantage. Jesus was hungry after fasting for 40 days and nights. Satan uses the hunger and starts with an “if” statement, questioning the identity of Jesus as the Son of God.
He was attacking two areas at once, playing a mind game. If it were one of us, it’s highly possible that we would have fallen for it. We might try to prove ourselves. But Jesus did not fall for it.
Jesus was aware of who was standing before Him. He replied by quoting Scripture from Deuteronomy 8:3. Instead of listening to the devil’s challenge, He chose to teach the devil a lesson His Heavenly Father had taught the Israelites.
When the devil saw that Jesus quoted Scripture, he played another mind game by quoting Scripture too—again questioning Jesus’ identity and the authenticity of Scripture.
But again, Jesus did not forget who was standing before Him. He showed the devil, through Scripture, why He wouldn’t do what was asked of Him.
This is a temptation we all face when we don’t get answers to our prayers or when difficulties come into our lives. The devil puts many questions in our minds, questioning the authenticity of Scripture and of God.
We might find ourselves thinking: Does God really exist? Does He really hear my prayers? Or sometimes our minds are led to think: If this Scripture is true, why wasn’t it fulfilled? We may also feel demotivated with thoughts like: Am I lacking faith? Am I not close to God?
If you notice, none of these questions help us grow. On the contrary, if we keep pondering these thoughts, they will only discourage us and draw us away from God.
Jesus was also asked to prove the Scriptures, but He did not fall for it. Our minds must be guarded against such temptations too.
Not every “if” question that the devil puts in our minds needs to be entertained. We are children of God who live under His will, and every situation we face is with His permission.
In Matthew 6:26–30, no matter how many doubts the devil tries to put in our minds, we are assured of a God who thinks about us and cares for us deeply. These verses show us that we are extremely valuable to God.
So even in the midst of whatever we go through—no matter what questions the devil puts in our minds—it is important that we understand and remind ourselves that we have a God who cares deeply about us personally. If He has allowed something in our lives, it is because He knows it is required for us and our development. And He is always right beside us.
Conclusion
What must we do then?
James 4:7 – “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Some translations use the phrase “Stand against the devil.” We need to stand against the devil like Jesus did. Eve’s mistake was that she entertained the devil and held conversations with him.
What must we think about?
Philippians 4:8 tells us the things we need to think about. One thing that stands out is: “Whatever is true…” Don’t spend your time or let your mind be carried away by doubts and confusion. Dwell only on the things that are right and true.
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