The Battle in My Mind

Where does the battle of Ephesians 6 (that is not against flesh and blood) take place?  I think it takes place in my mind. 

Today I was reading Show Them Jesus by Jack Klumpenhower, and I was encouraged by his reminder on page 80 of the importance and significance of the armor of God, which we are commanded to put on -

·      Truth:  I must cling to facts that I absolutely know are true.  I allow myself to believe so many things that are not true (she doesn't like me, he doesn't understand me, I'm not making any difference, this choice will make life very difficult, etc.), but if I "put on" truth, and cling to that which is absolutely true, it will enable me to stand against the Devil's schemes.

·      Righteousness:  "Only Jesus gives the perfect righteousness I can't earn."  I am valuable only because of the righteousness Christ has earned for me.  Others may or may not value me for that reason, but their opinion does not affect my righteousness and my place in Christ.

·      Peace:  "Jesus has made peace with God by dying for my sins".  Ephesians 6:14 refers to "the gospel of peace."  Peace that I can put on is that peace which is between me and God, and it is not something I can accomplish.  It is offered as a gift resulting from Christ's work on the cross.  When I accept this peace, I will be ready for what God allows to come my way ("readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.")

·      Faith:  "Faith in Jesus will never fail me.  There's nothing better that I can put my faith in" (perfect planning and foresight, a large amount of savings in the bank, wonderful family members who always come through for me, etc.).  The evil one will send things my way that I can only get through successfully if I take up faith in God.

·      Salvation:  I must believe that Jesus has rescued me from sin.  I can no longer be controlled by any sin and I have no need to shoulder any guilt due to sin.  Jesus has already dealt with those things and I am saved from them.

·      Word of God: This goes back to the belt of truth.  The word of God is true, and I can stake my life on it.  "I can be sure that everything the Bible says is true and good for me."  "No power on earth is a match for the powerful word of God."  I must preach it to myself and use it actively against all evil that I encounter (including evil in my own mind like fear, doubt, worry, pride, selfishness, etc.)  The word of God is the fighting weapon that the Spirit of God Himself uses, and it is available for my use as well.