Introduction
As leaders in the Church, we must understand not only the spiritual but also the emotional and mental aspects of our lives. Emotions play a significant role in how we think, act, and even in how we serve God. The subconscious mind, which governs many of our actions and reactions, speaks the language of emotions. It is crucial to understand this, as the subconscious mind can be our greatest ally or our greatest foe.
The Subconscious Mind and Emotions
The subconscious mind is like a powerful engine that runs much of our life without us even noticing. It’s where our deepest beliefs, habits, and emotions live. The Bible says in Proverbs 23:7, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” This means that what we believe deep down inside us shapes who we are and what we do.
Emotions are the language of the subconscious mind. They are powerful messages that can either drive us forward or hold us back. Positive emotions like love, joy, and peace can inspire us to be our best. However, negative emotions can hinder our progress and even harm our ministry.
Fear: The Number One Enemy
Fear is the most powerful and destructive emotion that can take hold of our subconscious mind. It can paralyze us, making us unable to move forward in faith. In 2 Timothy 1:7, we read, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Fear does not come from God; it is a tool of the enemy to keep us from fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives.
Fear can show up in many ways: fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of the unknown. When we allow fear to take root in our hearts, it can stop us from doing the work God has called us to do. Remember the story of the Israelites who were too afraid to enter the Promised Land because of the giants they saw (Numbers 13-14). Their fear cost them dearly, as they wandered in the desert for 40 years.
A Personal Encounter with Fear
This understanding of fear and the subconscious mind became very real to me when I heard that my mother, Georgia Wilson, had to have part of her colon removed due to cancer. The news struck me like a thunderbolt. My mother has been my rock, a strict disciplinarian, and a significant support in my life. The thought of her going through such a serious medical procedure filled me with fear and anxiety.
In that moment, I realized how powerful fear could be. It tried to paralyze me, making it hard to think clearly or pray effectively. But as I turned to God’s Word and sought His peace, I began to understand more deeply how the enemy uses fear to disrupt our faith and trust in God.
Doubt and Worry: Close Companions of Fear
Doubt and worry are also powerful enemies of the subconscious mind. When we doubt, we question God’s ability to work in our lives. James 1:6-8 warns us, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
Worry, on the other hand, is a form of fear. It focuses on potential problems rather than trusting in God’s provision. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Worry distracts us from our present tasks and weakens our faith.
Lack of Confidence: The Silent Saboteur
Lack of confidence can also undermine our subconscious mind. When we do not believe in the abilities and gifts God has given us, we are less likely to step out in faith. Hebrews 10:35-36 encourages us, “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.”
As leaders, our confidence must come from our identity in Christ and the calling He has placed on our lives. Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This is not about self-reliance but about relying on Christ’s power within us.
Overcoming These Enemies
So, how do we overcome these powerful enemies of the subconscious mind?
1. Embrace God’s Truth
The first step is to embrace the truth of God’s Word. John 8:32 says, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” God’s Word is filled with promises that can counteract fear, doubt, worry, and lack of confidence. By meditating on Scripture, we can renew our minds and align our subconscious with God’s truth.
2. Prayer and Supplication
Philippians 4:6-7 instructs us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Prayer is a powerful tool to combat negative emotions. When we bring our fears and worries to God, He gives us His peace in return.
3. Trust in God’s Plan
Jeremiah 29:11 assures us, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Trusting in God’s plan for our lives helps us to overcome fear and doubt. Even when we do not understand everything, we can trust that God is in control and that His plans for us are good.
4. Community and Support
Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Being part of a supportive community helps us to stay strong. Fellow believers can encourage us, pray for us, and remind us of God’s promises when we are struggling with fear, doubt, or worry.
5. Take Action in Faith
James 2:17 tells us, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Taking action is a vital part of overcoming negative emotions. When we step out in faith, even when we are afraid, we show God that we trust Him. Each step of faith builds our confidence and helps to reprogram our subconscious mind.
Conclusion
As bishops and leaders in the Church, it is essential to understand the power of the subconscious mind and the impact of emotions. Fear, doubt, worry, and lack of confidence are formidable enemies, but they can be overcome through God’s Word, prayer, trust, community, and action. By doing so, we can lead more effectively and fulfill the purposes that God has for our lives and ministries.
Remember, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Let us embrace this truth and lead with courage and faith.
from the Sacred Desk of
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