Don’t Rent Out Your Grey Matter

By Dawn Wilson –

Back in the 1990s, I read some words by Lee Ezell that gave me a new perspective on forgiveness. “When you do not forgive,” Ezell said, “you permit your enemies to live rent free in your head. Evict them today.”

A few years later, while teaching a women’s Sunday school class, I realized that I was renting out my grey matter to my big-time enemy—the Devil himself—and over a lot more issues than forgiveness! Whenever I believed the lies that he whispered in my ears, I gave him space to do his dastardly work.

Some of the dumbest lies I ever believed were regarding my call to ministry. The Lord called me to encourage, energize, and edify women. I heard the call clearly, and I studied to prepare my heart and mind to share biblical truth at every opportunity the Lord would give me. I said a big “yes” to God … but then the lies began.

“You’ve seen those lady speakers, haven’t you? Those pretty young things? Who do you think is going to listen to you, Grammy Wilson?” Ah, the age lie.

“How can you speak to people?” the enemy continued. “You’ve got a big gap between your front teeth, and have you seen your fat ankles lately? People won’t listen to what you say because they’ll be too busy staring at your messed up bod!” Ugh… the appearance lie.

“And who do you think you are?” the enemy hissed. “You’re no brainiac, you know; and speakers and authors have to know technical stuff today. Remember? You’re such a techno-blonde!” The final, crushing blow—the abilities lie.

For a while, I allowed the enemy to move in and make himself comfortable. In no time, defeated, fearful thoughts took over and I decided that maybe God hadn’t called me after all.

Then I heard a pastor say words that continue to challenge my thinking today: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2, HCSB).

Serving God isn’t about age, appearance, abilities, or anything else so self-focused. It’s all about God—discerning what He has called us to do, trusting Him to work, and obeying Him joyfully and without delay.

I’ve found everything I need—provision, protection, power, peace and more—in my Father’s mighty presence and enabling. He simply asks me to submit my thoughts to His control, allowing them to be transformed through the truth of the Word, and to actively resist my sneaky, deceitful enemy (James 4:7).

How about you? Do you have a brain tenant who wants to destroy you with his lies? Evict him and make more room for the Living Word. Ask God’s Spirit to speak truth to you and through you.