Renewing the mind
[And] not be like Cain who [took his nature and got his motivation] from the evil one and slew his brother. And why did he slay his brother? Because his deeds (activities, works) were wicked and malicious and his brother's were righteous (virtuous). 1 John 3:12
By now you should be familiar with the story of Cain and Abel and how Cain killed Abel.
Cain got his motivation to kill his brother from the evil one. Satanic influence was at work behind the scene.
Satan can influence us by the thoughts he drops into our minds. Thoughts are very powerful. A little understanding about where thoughts come from and how they can influence us will help us in withstanding the onslaughts of satan.
The television presents a good illustration. When a television station sends out signals they are received and decoded by our television sets. The decoded signals are then used to paint a picture on our television screen. We sit back and watch the picture.
Colour televisions use three electron beams to paint the pictures on our screens. These beams, called red, green and blue, combine to create all the different colours will see.
Interestingly, our minds also receive all the thoughts and ideals from three sources. God, man and satan.
Consider thoughts as beams, which our mind has the ability to decode. God can beam the same thought to two different people who then put these thoughts into words. They may express the thoughts in different ways and with different words, but basically they would be saying the same thing. This is how prophecy comes through to us when someone speaks what God is saying. They express God's thoughts with their own words.
Cain's thoughts
The source of Cain's thoughts gives us a good explanation of where all our thoughts come from. The ability to discern the source of our thoughts is the beginning of the renewal of our minds.
From within ourselves
Genesis 4:5 but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. (NKJV)
Cain's first though was from his own mind. It was one of anger and depression. It affected his whole attitude and emotions. He became angry and it showed on his face. Our anger attracts demonic attention.
Anger in itself is a natural human emotion. Please ask for our word letter on anger for more about anger. Cain thought badly about his brother. This was a product of his own human spirit. Our thoughts can arise from within ourselves.
There is nothing wrong or demonic about thoughts that arise from within us. Indeed this is how we go about getting the wisdom to carry out our daily life duties. However many of the thoughts that look innocent and seem to arise from within our own minds have other sources.
Who is bringing thoughts into your mind?
Hatred, envy, bitterness e.t.c are all thoughts that satan beams to our minds.
Watch your thought life. It is an important way to guard your heart