According to the principles of law, a perpetrator cannot be convicted of an offense if the victim gave consent, whether through explicit or implied permission. Implied consent can often be inferred from one's actions or the nature of a situation, granting the perpetrator legal permission to act. This concept raises a profound question about our walk in Christ. Many of us may wonder why, after accepting salvation, we still face attacks from the enemy. The truth is that many of these attacks, particularly those that lead to persistent spiritual oppression, are often rooted in patterns of thought that we inadvertently consent to. Some might ask, “Won’t God just stop all of the attacks of the enemy once I am saved?” The answer is complex. God, in His sovereignty, respects our free will, and when we consent—whether knowingly or unknowingly—to negative thoughts or beliefs, we open the door for the enemy to act. Even in ignorance, that consent is all an opportunistic enemy needs to disrupt the blessings God intends for our lives.
I encourage you to reflect on this: “How often do I agree with my self-talk instead of what the Word of God says?” This question can illuminate patterns of consent in our lives that may need to be addressed. Let’s be vigilant in our thoughts and align them with the truth of God’s Word, ensuring that we do not inadvertently invite negativity into our lives. As we grow in understanding, may we become more resilient against the attacks of the enemy and fully embrace the abundant life that Christ promised us. Here are three tactics the enemy uses to gain our consent.
1. Ignorance - This is probably the number one act of consent. Many of us, in our initial steps of faith, may not fully grasp how deeply our thought patterns have been influenced by the enemy's schemes. Ephesians 2:1 reminds us of this truth: “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.” We have all unwittingly conformed to the patterns that the world and the enemy have set before us. This is why the Apostle Paul urges us to renew our minds and break free from those worldly patterns (Romans 12:2 NIV). The enemy often gains our consent and influence through our past behaviors and thought processes, making it all too easy for us to fall back into old habits and beliefs. Paul further warns us in 2 Corinthians 2:11 not to be “ignorant of Satan’s devices and schemes.” It is a call to awareness, urging us to seek knowledge and understanding so that we can effectively guard our hearts and minds against deception. I encourage you to take time in prayer and reflection, asking God for clarity and insight into any lingering patterns that may not align with His truth.
2. Deception - In our lives, we often encounter familiar spirits that employ tactical deceptions, cleverly designed to lead us to compromise our beliefs and values. These deceptions can be insidious, luring us in much like the enticing fruit that tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden. The allure is often so enticing that we may not realize the violation of our rights until it's too late. The Apostle Peter offers a crucial reminder of this struggle in his warning to be “self-controlled and alert because our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (2 Peter 5:8). It is vital that we remain vigilant, recognizing these enticing traps and seductions for what they are, and standing firm in our convictions. Let us strive to be aware of these subtle deceptions and equip ourselves with the wisdom and strength to resist them. By doing so, we protect not only our rights but also our peace of mind and spiritual well-being.
3. Fear & Intimidation- Fear is a common repeating pattern established through trauma and insecurity. There is an intrinsic fear of death in all people, which can become a powerful tool for manipulation. In many ways, it serves as a trump card for those who seek to intimidate or control us, particularly when it comes to our faith and courage. Despite knowing that fear is ultimately a defeated enemy, we often find ourselves succumbing to its grip. It’s easier to stay within the familiar confines of fear than to step out into the unknown, embracing faith and the possibilities that lie beyond our comfort zones. This struggle is all too common, and I think it’s important to acknowledge it. We must strive to be aware of the ways fear holds us back and recognize that we have the power to challenge and overcome these feelings. By choosing faith over fear, we can break free from the cycles of intimidation and step boldly into a more fulfilling and liberated life.
It is essential to recognize that some individuals struggle to break free from patterns of oppression because they have unknowingly given legal consent to thoughts that bind them. When negative influences establish patterns of thought in our minds, they create conditioning that grants a sort of approval to harmful beliefs. This can lead us to a place where we feel trapped, unable to escape the cycle of oppression. As it is said in Psalm 119:130 (NKJV), “The entrance of Your word brings light.” This light represents the truth that has the power to dispel the darkness of lies that may have taken root in our consciousness. It is through the revelation of truth that we can identify and dismantle those consenting patterns of thought. Once we truly understand these truths, we expose the falsehoods that have been controlling us, ultimately leading us to withdraw our consent from these negative influences. In doing so, we empower ourselves to take a stand and bring forth a legal charge against these oppressive thoughts for eviction. Establishing truth in our lives allows us to reject lies, as the truth cannot coexist with deception. It is liberating to realize that the only consent we need to give is to the Word of God. By making the choice to align ourselves with the teachings of Christ, we can navigate our lives with clarity and purpose. I encourage you to reflect on this message and consider the power of truth in your life. May you find strength in the understanding that the truth shall set you free, and may you choose to give your consent only to that which uplifts and empowers Christ in your life.
-Timothy Tyler
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