“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves.” (2 Tim. 2:25)
Did you know that it is possible to have a correct belief system in your mind and yet oppose yourself in your faith, words and actions? Many believers agree with good doctrine but speak words of failure, sickness, lack and defeat. They act like victims, not victors. Their expectations and outlook are negative, and yet if you quizzed them on good doctrine they would score high marks!
The same could be said for setting goals and fulfilling God’s call upon our lives. We may have a vision for a successful future while we waste our time on meaningless pursuits. Our vision is really nothing more than a vain imagination. When we allow momentary pleasures to replace long term goals, we are opposing ourselves. We have become the double minded man mentioned in James 1.
For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1:6-8)
The lusts of the flesh, the un-renewed mind, pessimism and fear are all terrible enemies of our true identity and purpose. The more time we give to these enemies, the more we are our own worst enemy.
Don’t oppose yourself! There are enough enemies out there already. Don’t become an enemy of your God given purpose!