Let me first address the most obvious aspect of that widespread problem in Christendom; which is a real problem, and not simply an experience which is common to Christian persons. The Bible says that "to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:6). To be "carnally minded" means to live according to one's own thoughts and ways, instead of living in accordance with God's thoughts and ways. To be "carnally minded" does not simply lead one to death, but the Bible says that it "is death."
Not only is it possible to know God's thoughts and to walk in God's ways, that is to say, as God leads; but, to do otherwise is sin:
"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." (Isaiah 55:7-12)Most professing Christians would probably pass quickly over the above passage of Scripture, supposing, that since it addresses "the wicked...and the unrighteous man," therefore, that passage only pertains to "sinners." But everyone who lives according to his own thoughts, instead of God's thoughts, is "unrighteous;" and, whosoever walks in his own ways, instead of according to God's ways, is "wicked." Said another way: everyone who will not "forsake" his own ways and his own thoughts, and seek unto God to receive from Him a radically different way of thinking and living ~ is a sinner.
Notice, if you will, I did say, "a radically different way of thinking and living." For, did not God say (in the above Scripture) that His thoughts and ways are so much higher than ours, in comparison as the heavens are high above the earth? We see, then, that what it means to be "spiritually minded," is, to think according to God's thoughts and to walk in God's ways. And "to be spiritually minded is life and peace." In which state of mind, self-doubt cannot disturb one's "resting" in God.
But is such a lifestyle possible to mere human beings? Not to "mere human" beings is it possible. But to those, in whom the Spirit of Christ indwells them who have been "born again" by the Spirit of God, it is possible for such ("new creatures," as the Bible calls them) to live according to God's thoughts and ways; which is true Christianity.
Do not suppose, however, that because you may suffer from self-doubt, that is a sign you are not a real Christian! That is not what I am trying to say. Rather, I'm trying to show you the way by which you can attain victory over self-doubt.
The problem of self-doubt ~ especially in the younger or less experienced Christian person, is largely though not primarily the result of the apostate condition of the Church (in all Western cultures, including America). Wheresoever that apostasy has supplanted the faithful teaching of the Word of God, it is to be expected that spiritual weakness (including self-doubt) must follow. Apostate ideas and attitudes lead to more and more weakness, until that 'Christianity' becomes nothing more than a mere name.
But what about the sincere Christian who seemingly lives under a shadow of self-doubt, with respect to his or her standing with God? How can such a Christian be delivered from that form of oppression and bondage? Although self-doubt evidently is something which every child of God must sometime wrestle against; yet, that experience is not supposed to be an ongoing part of the normal Christian life. For, it is plainly taught in Scripture that every true Christian is both called and equipped by God to be an overcomer in all things.
Not to be overlooked in this discussion, is the work of the devil to: tempt, accuse, distract, discourage, and by all means disparage (cause to feel insecure and unworthy), if he can, the Christian. It is the devil's nature to oppose the Christian by all means. Whereas a guilty conscience is the result of having knowingly committed sin; which in every case is accompanied by a sense of failure and loss. Nevertheless, if the devil cannot tempt one to sin, still the devil will attempt to overshadow the mind with self-doubt. For, in that state of mind (self-doubt), no Christian has the confidence to approach the throne of grace "boldly" with faith to receive from God.
Nor should a sense of self-doubt be mistaken for spirituality. Living in doubt of one's standing with God is not a product nor even a token of true humility. The apostate churches are full of that kind of weirdness. As a case in point: throughout the past decade or so, I've often heard the expression: "It's not about me; it's all about Jesus." As if the individual Christian person did not even exist. If "it" (life, peace, joy, salvation, relationships, eternity, etc.) were not about you, then why did the Son of God give himself to suffer and die in such a manner as he did? Let the person who is forever suffering the torments of hell, say, "It's not about me." What nonsense.
To be sure, Christ "is the head over all things to the church, which is his body" (Ephesians 1:22-23). But without "the church" there would be no "body." Christ is the great King. But without you and me there would be no kingdom over which the King to rule. God made man to be in the most intimate union with Himself (God); that redeemed man should bear rule, through and by God, over all the works of God's hands. Self-doubt pertaining to one's standing with God, is not God's will for any of His children.
In the course of some of my reading, today, I came across these lines in that famous work by William Gurnall, titled, The Christian in Complete Armour, viz.:
"Others who have true grace, and desire the advancement of it, yet are discouraged in their endeavor for more, from too deep a sense of their present penury."Gurnall was there addressing the problem of self-doubt. But he went on to offer a true and wonderfully strengthening perspective, as follows:
"Darest thou say thou hast no grace at all? If thou hast but any, though the very least that any ever had to begin with, I dare tell thee, that he [God] hath done more for thee in that, than he should in making that which is now so weak, as perfect as the saints' grace is now in heaven... There is a greater gulf between no grace and grace, than between weak grace and strong; between a chaos and nothing, than between a chaos and this beautiful frame of heaven and earth. The first day's work of both creations [natural, and spiritual] is the greatest... It is greater mercy to give the first grace of conversion, than to crown that with glory. It is more grace and condescension in a prince to marry a poor damsel, than having married her, to clothe her like a princess; he was free to do the first or not, but his relation to her [now, as her husband] pleads strongly for the other."In other words, if God was so gracious as to save you from the black pit of sin, in the first place; then, it is far more to be expected that He will now lift you up and carry forward His own great work of redemption in you: the end of which is to fashion your spirit and character in the image of Christ. Oh, Hallelujah! Doesn't that just make you want to shout, "Glory to God! Glory to God in the highest!"
The way to overcome self-doubt ~ and thus to be able to walk confidently before the Lord in great peace and overflowing joy, is, to forsake your own thoughts, and turn from going your own way; so, then, to seek God with all your heart to know His thoughts, and to do His will in all things. I am of course describing a life of total consecration to Christ, whereby you subsume your own desires and will, to his. Only thus may you know him and walk with him in peace.
There is a very real and gloriously beautiful world that exists above this world of sight and sound. It is yours to enjoy, in Christ. In. Christ.
Believe me, it will be the most exciting, satisfying, rewarding, hopeful, joyful life you may ever know ~ to walk with God day by day by day by day by day by day by....
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