“The stronghold must fall. . . . If we want to change our lives . . . it’s not enough to change our behavior and address our habits. The behavior will come back later and old habits will return, often stronger than before. Or we’ll replace one thing with something similar — one destructive habit gets swapped out for another, because the stronghold is still standing.”- Kyle Idleman
“One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.”- Proverbs 21:22 (NIV)
Kyle Idleman concludes Chapter 2 of Every Thought Captive with the fourth and final way we build strongholds.
4. Cognitive reinforcement. This final block, Kyle notes, refers to our instinct to surround ourselves with voices and opinions that reinforce what we already think. Consequently, we seek out information and interpretation to affirm our thoughts. Rather than challenge them. One can also refer to this as confirmation bias.
Therefore, Pastor Idleman counsels, we cannot act passively in this regard — wait and hope things will get better. Because, unless we take down the stronghold, nothing changes. Instead, we must take captive and destroy all human reasoning and arguments that oppose the truth of God. Otherwise, despite our best effort and genuine intentions, we find ourselves fighting the same battles years, even decades later.
As a result, Kyle underscores:
“The thoughts that have built strongholds in your life must be challenged and subdued with thoughts rooted in God’s power and promises. They won’t give up without a fight. So we’ll have to take the fight to them, with God’s help. . . . [We] recognize the lie and call it out as a lie, and then [we] replace it with the truth.”
In conclusion, Pastor Idleman observes, as you replace a lie with God’s truth, your thinking begins to change. And as your thinking changes, your behavior also changes. Most significantly, you begin to experience true transformation.
Today’s question: What Bible verses encourage you that the stronghold must fall? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Carefully take aim!”