Tough Talks: Realizing How We Crucify Ourselves.

How many of us can admit that one of the most challenging parts of living is being able to recognize when we've led ourselves into our own crucifixion? I am currently navigating another episode of spiritual warfare and while it's easy to focus on the external evils that stalks us, it's extremely important to recognize where we may have led ourselves into paths of darkness that leaves us vulnerable to spiritual threats. I had to realize that I crucified myself with four habits that are essentially soulful imprisonment. The strongholds we invite into our lives can have a massive impact on how much armor we have to defend ourselves against the powers of darkness.

Sin is baggage. The more we do it, the more it weighs us down. Imagine trying to fight a war with 100 lbs of shit on your back. How much more difficult would it be? Well, that's kind of how you have to approach life. There are things that we've picked up along our path in life that served us at one point or another. However, it's important to stay conscious at recognizing how something may have served a significant purpose at one time but may be the very thing holding us back at another time in our lives. When the habit becomes a part of our identity, we forget. We forget why it started in the first place and what purpose it fulfilled. Now that we do that thing subconsciously, we don't remember why we are still doing it and if we even need to anymore. And that creates a level of fear-- the unknown of how to live life without 'that thing' or 'that person' or 'that place'. How many things are we doing today that we've picked up 20 years ago? I can't imagine it giving us the same level of comfort as it once did. I am specifically addressing habits that can be categorized as bad habits. Even if we have our desires under control, it doesn't change the fact that the long-term effects of it can be far worse that we can imagine today.

There has to come a time where we consider putting down what we once picked up in times of adversity. One thing we have to ask ourselves is "Why"? Such a simple question can allow our minds to see things that we are missing on a day-to-day basis. The why can change over time, but if we don't give it any meaningful thought, we can still be operating off of an old operating system even though we are an entirely different 'computer'.

I've learned that many people are afraid to look inward. I think people are afraid of what they might see. But confronting yourself is the greatest thing you can do. You are the most important relationship you will ever have. So if you're not constantly checking the mirror within, you could be stagnating your own growth. It can be scary as hell to have to face something you've been running from year after year. Maybe the pain is too great... but the only way to win any battle is to fight it head on.

Funny thing is-- no one is judging you.. but YOU. So approach your shadow from a place of non-judgment and healing as opposed to self-conviction. You owe it to yourself... simply to just become a better person.