As a West Point graduate and Vietnam combat veteran, I have been both a student and participant in natural warfare. As a believer and minister, I have been a student and participant in spiritual warfare as well. Many similarities exist between natural and spiritual warfare. One similarity is the importance of occupying the "high ground".
In natural warfare, the military unit holding high ground has a distinct advantage in several areas: observation, knowing the possible avenues of approach, pre-determined lines of fire, unobstructed lines of communication, open lines of supply (particularly from the air), as well as an advantage over the enemy which has to attack from a lower, exposed position. "High ground" advantages enable a small force to defend successfully against a superior attacking enemy unit.
In spiritual warfare, "high ground" is equally important to control. Spiritual "high ground" involves the battleground for the mind. Whoever controls the "high ground" (the mind) has a distinct advantage. In fact, our thought life holds the key to victory in spiritual warfare. 2Cor.10:3-6 specifically speaks of the warfare involved in our minds and the importance of "overthrowing and destroying strongholds, refuting arguments, theories, reasonings, proud and lofty things that set themselves up against the knowledge of God; and leading every thought and purpose captive into the obedience of Christ". Areas of thought-life which are not captive to Christ (strongholds) are areas where we are losing the spiritual battle against the "gates of hell". The "high ground" of the mind controls the outcome of every spiritual battle we face. Every spiritual conflict involves the "Word" of God and if we believe God's promises or believe what our natural, carnal senses tell us. Our "high ground" is lost to the enemy when we agree with our carnal senses. I refer to this as living at "see level" (believing everything we see, hear and feel).Our agreement empowers either heaven or hell with our minds being the determining factors as to whether we live in victory in Christ or defeat in unbelief.
Consider the importance of the control of your own "high ground". Are you empowering the kingdom of God or the enemy of your soul with your agreement? Like it or not, we control the spiritual reality on earth with our agreement. 2 Cor.1:20 explains, "For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." Victory "in Christ" or "defeat" comes "through us". I pray you will secure the "high ground" of your mind and experience victory and success over the enemy. Amen.
As a West Point graduate and Vietnam combat veteran, I have been both a student and participant in natural warfare. As a believer and minister, I have been a student and participant in spiritual warfare as well. Many similarities exist between natural and spiritual warfare. One similarity is the importance of occupying the "high ground".
In natural warfare, the military unit holding high ground has a distinct advantage in several areas: observation, knowing the possible avenues of approach, pre-determined lines of fire, unobstructed lines of communication, open lines of supply (particularly from the air), as well as an advantage over the enemy which has to attack from a lower, exposed position. "High ground" advantages enable a small force to defend successfully against a superior attacking enemy unit.
In spiritual warfare, "high ground" is equally important to control. Spiritual "high ground" involves the battleground for the mind. Whoever controls the "high ground" (the mind) has a distinct advantage. In fact, our thought life holds the key to victory in spiritual warfare. 2Cor.10:3-6 specifically speaks of the warfare involved in our minds and the importance of "overthrowing and destroying strongholds, refuting arguments, theories, reasonings, proud and lofty things that set themselves up against the knowledge of God; and leading every thought and purpose captive into the obedience of Christ". Areas of thought-life which are not captive to Christ (strongholds) are areas where we are losing the spiritual battle against the "gates of hell". The "high ground" of the mind controls the outcome of every spiritual battle we face. Every spiritual conflict involves the "Word" of God and if we believe God's promises or believe what our natural, carnal senses tell us. Our "high ground" is lost to the enemy when we agree with our carnal senses. I refer to this as living at "see level" (believing everything we see, hear and feel).Our agreement empowers either heaven or hell with our minds being the determining factors as to whether we live in victory in Christ or defeat in unbelief.
Consider the importance of the control of your own "high ground". Are you empowering the kingdom of God or the enemy of your soul with your agreement? Like it or not, we control the spiritual reality on earth with our agreement. 2 Cor.1:20 explains, "For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." Victory "in Christ" or "defeat" comes "through us". I pray you will secure the "high ground" of your mind and experience victory and success over the enemy. Amen.