The Rules of Engagement

Weapons of Mass Destruction

U ncleanness This weapon consists of moral, psychological, physical, or environmental defilement. (See Mark 1:23, 26–27.) U nderachievement This powerful intrinsic weapon is used by a demotivating spirit, driving a paradigm that will cause you to:

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Avoid success-related activities Doubt your ability

Assume success is related to luck, education, money, “who you know,” or to other factors out of your control. Thus, even when successful, it isn’t as rewarding to the unmotivated person because they don’t feel responsible or it doesn’t increase his/ her pride and confidence Quit when having difficulty because you believe failure is caused by a lack of ability which you “obviously don’t have” Choose tasks that are not challenging, passion- or purpose driven Work with little drive or enthusiasm because outcome isn’t thought to be related to effort U nforgiveness

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Unforgiveness is the refusal to release someone from an offense or wrong doing. Unforgiveness grieves the Holy Spirit and is sometimes one of the most difficult sins to confess and to get over because we so often think we must feel it emotionally when we forgive someone. The very act of forgiveness is an act of our will and not our emotions. If unforgiveness is left to fester, it has the potential to give rise to bitterness. Characteristics of unforgiveness include anger, hurt, resentfulness, replaying an event or words spoken, or vengeance. As long as an act of wrongdoing or the assailant remains in your thoughts, you have not forgiven. Sometimes you have to forgive yourself too. Don’t grieve the Spirit by holding on to things too long. Cast your cares on the Lord. Forgiving means leaving everything in God’s hands, recalling that ultimately, vengeance is His. (See Mark 11:25–26.)

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