Get Your Pretense On!

Chapter 4: Put Off, Renew, Put On • 91

defended, and emphasized. Because we have been conditioned to speak, think, act, and conduct ourselves consistent with our previous manner of life , every believer must relearn how to think, and form new habits of the soul to literally reprogram our minds, our language, and our daily habits. Eagles-conditioned-to think-and-act-like-chickens must learn a new way of eagle thinking, i.e., the art of eagle attitude and self-talk . This renewal demands first of all that you recognize the power of your former “ habits of mind and soul .” You cannot reprogram your mind if you do not accept your own personal need to both monitor and test your inner conversation. This renewal is as much a disposition and condition as it is a particular act. You must cultivate the habit of interviewing all the rogue thoughts ( “suspicious characters” ) that enter into your mind. We must admit that many of our former thoughts sabotaged us, confused us, led us astray, and were inspired by the enemy himself. Look at these texts on the devil’s strategy against God’s people: Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. [9] Resist him, firm in your faith , knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. ~ 1 Peter 5.8-9 “You are doing the works your father did.”They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father – even God.” [42] Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. [43] Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. [44] You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does