Created for Truth

by Sarah Van Diest @SarahVanDiest

“But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ” 2 Corinthians 11:3. 

“You are alone.” “You are not enough.” “There is no place for you in this world.” 

These are difficult words, yes? They represent exclusion, rejection, and pain. Some of us have heard these words, or some similar, spoken directly to us from those we believed cared about us. Others have heard these words in their own minds and hearts, coming from a place deeply buried and hidden. 

These are words of shame. 

As we know from the tale in the Garden, it was shame that caused our ancient ancestors to hide. That is what shame does, or rather, that is a typical response to feeling ashamed. The other well-known response is to fight back and retaliate. Anger rises up and we throw punches at our accuser, or at the wall, or at the cat. Poor kitty.

If we think of the Garden and who is responsible for bringing shame into that pristine place, we think of the Serpent. Yes, we know Eve took the first bite of the forbidden fruit and then Adam had his try, but it was the Serpent who enticed her. His slippery way of twisting God’s words caused her to doubt. The Serpent is, after all, a liar. “…When he (the devil) lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” John 8:44.

Here’s where things get interesting. Today we understand more about how the brain works than ever before, and though there is not full agreement, many still believe there is part of the brain responsible for the feelings of shame and fear. This section is called the limbic system, or the reptilian brain. Yes, that’s correct, as in what a serpent is. It was apparently named that because it was believed reptiles had only that part of the brain. (That is not the case, for all vertebrates have all brain divisions, according to neuroscientist Barbara L. Finlay.)

I think it’s all a bit funny, or somewhat ironic. Maybe it’s more than ironic. Maybe there is a sense in which this is the part of our brains which identifies the most with the Serpent. It is the part of us that is fueled by shame, fear, and lies. Cognitive distortions, to borrow a term from psychology, is another way to say “lies,” and our minds get overrun with those distortions when we listen to the Serpent of old. We believe lies and our reptilian brain sends us running to hide or turning to fight, so to speak. Our reptilian brain listens to and responds to the lies of the Serpent. 

This is not to say that part, or any part, of our brain is inherently bad. No. We are created in the image of God, beautifully woven together by the Creator of all good things. Our brain works to keeps us safe from danger. It is inherently good. But wisdom tells us we are susceptible to attacks if we are not well guarded. And that’s where we get to take action.

The call to don the full armor of God is one of wisdom. 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 

Ephesians 6:10-18

It is too late, in a battle, to look for your sword or put on your helmet once the enemy has already wielded its fury against you. It is before you enter the battle, before you encounter the circumstances of the day, when dressing in God’s protection is called for. But our habits are not perfect, nor is our submission to the Father’s ways, yet do not despair for he remains faithful, even when we are not (see 2 Tim. 2:13). 

If you find that you, as I do, have trouble with that particular part of your brain sending you into bouts of fear and worry, remember the Serpent and the lies he tells, and call to mind the armor our Father has provided. Mostly, allow the truth of our Father’s character and his love for you rest in your spirit. 

The Father made his armor because he knew we would face these battles and because he loves his children to be protected. You are worth protecting. He knew we would feel rejected, abandoned, hated, dismissed, afraid and so on. The “simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ” come not from lies but from the truth that he first loved you and so you love him. 

Amen? Yes. Amen. 

TWEETABLES

Created for Truth - @SarahVanDiest on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Doing battle with fear and shame with God's truth - @SarahVanDiest on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Sarah Van Diest is a writer and editor. She’s the mother of two boys, stepmother to three more, and wife to David. Sarah wrote this book as letters to a dear friend whose life was turning upside down. She’s done this for years for numerous friends and will continue to, Lord willing. It’s her gift to them. It’s hope written down.