In a January 25, 2024 article published in Simply Psychology, Dr. Saul McLeod wrote, “Sigmund Freud viewed the unconscious mind as a reservoir of repressed feelings, traumatic memories, and instinctual drives that remain hidden from awareness yet exert profound influence over emotion, and decision-making. According to Freud, the majority of human behavior originates not from rational, conscious thought, but from deep-seated inner conflicts and instinctual forces operating beyond our awareness or control.”
Keep Dr. McLeod’s thoughts in mind while we look at the unrecognized, unrelenting, unconscious self. I’m referring to that which our main enemy tries to employ to keep us from living as the Lord would desire. Can I review those three enemies? Of course! We are constantly in battle against self, Satan, and the secular world. Satan is the main enemy. But read on!
While self includes thoughts residing in our conscious mind, self also includes that which is in our unconscious mind. Furthermore, what is buried in our unconscious minds, becomes complex as it us used by Satan to influence us to misbehave in God’s eyes. Yes, God sees all. Right now, I need to go off script and thank God for being like He is, compassionate and great in granting us grace and mercy. And, praise God, He is faithful in trying to help us be more holy and to live right. Now let me get back on script. You see, when Satan gets a chance, when the adversary sees an opening, he reaches into our unconscious mind and uses what he finds to influence us, especially when we act instinctively or with a knee-jerk reaction, to do exactly opposite of what the Lord wants us to do. Bringing up negative experience, naughty expressions, and nomadic bad examples that were modeled years ago can be resurrected in our behavior, especially when we do not pause before acting, especially when we do not trust in the Lord consciously, and especially when we don’t take the time to acknowledge Him so He can direct our paths.
I am writing you this today so that starting immediately, you will be more equipped to wage battle with the unrecognized, unrelenting, and unconscious things in our minds; the things that Satan, our adversary, will use to influence our behavior. The example I usually offer up is the one where a son who has achieved adulthood unconsciously acts just as his father did in certain situations. Can’t you imagine a reflex-type comment when the son, now a dad, lashes out at his child in anger quickly and with a loud voice, emulating what he saw his dad do when he was a child. My friend, it will be better if we practice pausing and then proceed to talk to the child with love.
I guess the remedy or prescription for you and me is to take our time to think on what the Lord would have us do instead of letting the lingering unconsciousness stuff, laden with negative and unbecoming behaviors take over. For when the unrecognized, unrelenting, negative thoughts in our unconscious are stirred up, situations can be elevated, relationships will be ruined temporarily or forever, and one’s witness will be rendered unbelievable, or at least ineffective.
Heavy stuff for a Monday morning? Perhaps. But think on what you have read and be on guard because Satan will look for ways to bring you down, including that which is implanted in your unconscious. Have a great start to your week. Be blessed!
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8 NLT)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
The enemy is always seeking ways to bring me down. I’ve learned that if he can’t get to me, he’ll try other avenue including those I love. We have to stay conscious of what the enemy’s capable of and stay on guard with the armour of God.
Agree! Thank you for your response and pointing out that the enemy will get to others around you to get to us. Be blessed!