In the battle of life, we often find ourselves fighting the wrong enemy. Instead of waging war against the forces of darkness and the schemes of the devil, we often turn our weapons inward and become our own worst adversaries.

What Causes Us to Fight Ourselves?  The tendency to turn our weapons inward and become our own worst adversaries often stems from a combination of internal and external factors:

1. Negative Self-Perception: Past experiences, criticisms, and failures can lead to negative self-perception. When we internalize these negative beliefs, we start viewing ourselves as the problem rather than recognizing external spiritual battles.

2. Comparison: The culture of comparison, amplified by social media, can cause us to measure our worth by worldly standards. When we perceive ourselves as falling short, we may begin to self-condemn.

3. Lack of Spiritual Awareness: Many people are unaware of the spiritual realm and the existence of spiritual warfare. This lack of awareness can lead us to attribute our struggles solely to ourselves or external circumstances.

4. Isolation: Isolating ourselves from a supportive community can exacerbate feelings of self-doubt and self-condemnation. Without the encouragement and accountability of others, we may spiral into self-destructive thought patterns.

What It Looks Like:

When we turn our weapons inward and fight ourselves, it manifests in various destructive ways:

1. Self-Criticism: We constantly criticize ourselves, dwelling on our flaws and mistakes, leading to low self-esteem and self-worth.

2. Perfectionism: The relentless pursuit of perfection can become an obsession, causing anxiety and stress as we strive for unattainable standards.

3. Self-Isolation: We withdraw from relationships and opportunities, believing we don’t deserve love, success, or happiness.

4. Self-Sabotage: We undermine our own progress and success, often out of fear or self-doubt.

5. Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms: In an attempt to numb emotional pain, we may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as addiction, self-harm, or destructive relationships.

6. Spiritual Stagnation: Our focus on self-blame can prevent spiritual growth, hindering our ability to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.

When we turn inward and fight ourselves, it hinders our spiritual and personal growth. It robs us of the peace and confidence that come from knowing God’s love and grace. To break free from this destructive pattern, we must recognize the true source of our battles, embrace God’s love, and seek support from a loving community of believers.

The Bible offers us guidance on how to love, respect, and trust ourselves with God’s help.  Scripture: Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

So how do we stop fighting ourselves? Here are 6 steps that you can put into practice today.

Step 1: Recognize the True Enemy

Our first step is to recognize that our true enemy is not ourselves. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. The devil seeks to distract, discourage, and deceive us. When we understand this, we can redirect our focus from self-condemnation to spiritual warfare.

Step 2: Embrace God’s Love

1 John 4:19 (NIV) says, “We love because he first loved us.” Before we can love, respect, and trust ourselves, we must first recognize and embrace God’s unconditional love for us. God’s love is the foundation upon which our self-worth is built. Reflect daily on the depth of God’s love for you.

Step 3: Renew Your Mind

Romans 12:2 (NIV) tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Replace negative self-talk and destructive thought patterns with God’s truth. Meditate on Scriptures that affirm your identity in Christ and the promises of God for your life.

Step 4: Seek God’s Guidance

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) advises, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Trusting ourselves begins with trusting God’s guidance. Seek His wisdom in prayer and through His Word.

Step 5: Practice Self-Compassion

Remember that you are a work in progress. Extend the same grace, forgiveness, and compassion to yourself that God offers to you. Let go of perfectionism and embrace God’s perfect love that covers your imperfections.

Step 6: Surround Yourself with Supportive Community

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV) reminds us, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Seek out a community of fellow believers who can provide encouragement, accountability, and prayer support.

In the battle of life, let us shift our focus from fighting ourselves to engaging in the spiritual warfare against the devil’s schemes. With God’s love, guidance, and the support of a loving community, we can learn to love, respect, and trust ourselves as God intended. Remember that you are a beloved child of God, and in His strength, you can overcome any challenge that comes your way.