Don’t leave open spaces! If that sounded strange, it really isn’t – but let me explain. Remember the deliverance described In both Matthew and Luke?
“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places,
seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from
which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order.
Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than
himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man
is worse than the first.” (Luke 11:23-26, ESV)
Why? If the healing or deliverance occurred, why could the unclean spirit return? I believe the Lord taught me the concept of ‘Replacement’. Replacement is part of my personal 3 R’s… actually 4. Having the spaces empty only beckons occupancy. With this thought in mind, it’s up to us to determine what should occupy or we are subject to the fate indicated in scripture – a worse state than before.
Now what do we do??? Again, if you look to scripture you do have obvious clues. Foundational, we are told to renew our minds, to put off the old man and put on the new over 20 times.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal
of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God,
what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2, ESV)
The purpose – not be conformed to this world. As can be seen, WE are the ones that do this. To me, replacement is the foundation to renewing. Minimally, it is an important component to renewing. So what are we to replace the empty spaces with? Again, scripture:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever
is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable,
if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think
about these things.” (Philippians 4:8, ESV)
Personally, I believe this is what we can and need to do. If we replace our thinking, renew our minds then we have the tools available to ‘fill up the spaces’ so that there is no space, no place for any unclean spirit to attempt to occupy… even with their cohorts. Never forget – we can become our best us.
