Refuse

By Robyn Clay

The word refuse has many definitions, most with similar meaning but slight differences in the wording. One of these definitions is, “to decline to submit to.”

You see the word refuse, as well as its opposite “accept,” is a verb. It is a word of action. You have a choice to accept and submit to the ways of this world and that of the enemy or you can refuse and direct your time and attention towards God and His word. 

If ever there was a time in our lives that we might be distracted by what is happening in this world, I would argue that now is definitely one of those seasons. The world around us, and a lot of people in it, are very “loud” right now, but I would encourage you to not let this world be so loud that it distracts you from God and His promises. Remember: the enemy’s sole purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy, (John 10:10) and lies and distractions are some of his best tricks. He is sneaky and manipulative, and when we start to lose our focus on God, we start to believe the things that the enemy says. 

Thoughts are a powerful thing, so much so that they literally change the chemistry of our brain. A book I once read said that “If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.” God’s word tells us that we will be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2) and that his mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23).

With that, as we go about our daily lives, there’s no doubt we will be flooded with information and opinions and thoughts, both good and bad. However, His Word also says that we are to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). When we do this, we have the opportunity to refuse the lies and refuse the distractions and stay rooted in Him.

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." - James 4:7 NIV

I can’t help but to think about a world in which we refused to live anything but the abundant life that Jesus paid the price for. A life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control! What a world that would be!

Challenge:

During today’s prayer time, take an account to which thoughts have dominated your mind in the last 24 hours. Are they good? Are they bad? Are they a distraction? Have you taken any of them captive to God’s word? As you take this account, begin submitting them God. Do not hold any of them back—our God is not intimidated by them! Then, make this a daily practice. Remember: refuse is an action word, so actively refuse to let the thoughts of this world dominate your mind.