Think Again!

Chapter 4: Pillaging Schemes #1-6 • 45

inside and not left out. The tragedy was, she was already on the inside and gained nothing through her rebellion.

One way you can recognize the deceiver’s scheme of deficiency is when you experience condemning, harsh, and discouraging words. Satan asks to sift God’s people like wheat (Luke 22.31), but God is gentle with us. The Spirit is merciful and encouraging, telling you, “Don’t be afraid, it’s OK, you can make it.” Have you ever noticed that the smallest doubt, even the size of post-it note, can trump the weight of what the Bible says? If you ignore the Word of God, feelings of deficiency can quickly overwhelm you. Scheme #2: The Answers Are Inside You We have a tendency toward self-reflection (focusing on what’s inside of us), making us dissatisfied with life. We are subjected to daily reminders of products that we need in order to be happy. This is one reason why we are a people that has become heavily dependent on anti-depressants. Our disposition toward the inner self (rather than outward truth about God) has made us weak and ineffective in spiritual warfare. Conventional wisdom says, “You feel better when you are free to do whatever you want, without any consequences.” On the contrary, studies show that when people live according to a strict code of moral conduct, with ramifications for their behavior, they are more hopeful, optimistic, and less likely to be depressed. 20 So many people suffer from emotional disorders because they lack a set of absolutes that exist outside of their personal experience. True identity is not based on how we feel inside, but is defined by Someone outside of ourselves. Even Christian families can be affected by this scheme. From a young age people are conditioned to draw a circle around their personal preferences, evaluating every event as it relates to self.