Armor Up: When Comparison Becomes Spiritual Warfare

Summary

In this episode of the Positive Growth Doctor podcast, Dr. Christina Wilson explores the concept of spiritual warfare, particularly focusing on the battles women face in their mental health journeys. Through self-reflection exercises, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing past struggles and how they shape our present selves. The discussion delves into the lies of comparison and perfectionism, highlighting how these can hinder personal growth. Dr. Wilson provides practical strategies for overcoming negative thoughts and stresses the necessity of rest and connection with God as vital components of mental well-being.

Takeaways

Some of the biggest battles we fight come from spiritual warfare.

Self-reflection helps us recognize our growth and struggles.

Comparison is a lie that can hinder our self-worth.

Perfectionism distorts our understanding of our value.

The armor of God is essential in mental health battles.

Identifying negative thoughts is the first step to overcoming them.

Rest is crucial for mental and physical health.

We are not alone in our struggles; community matters.

God's guidance is pivotal in our journeys.

We are daughters of the King, deserving of peace.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Warfare

03:14 The Power of Self-Reflection

05:59 Understanding Comparison and Perfectionism

09:52 Strategies for Overcoming Negative Thoughts

14:07 The Importance of Rest and Connection with God

Transcript

Welcome to the The Positive Growth Doctor Podcast®! I am your host, Dr. Christina Wilson. 

I have a question for you. What battle are you fighting right now? Some of our biggest battles in life come from spiritual warfare. I’m referring to the battle between the spiritual forces of good and evil. 

I am involved in a few faith-based women’s groups. We were talking about an exercise of taking a poster board and examining some of your darkest times in life or who you used to be. 

It’s a very heavy task but a necessary one. One might think, “Why would you want to do this or revisit such trying times?” 

When you think back on those times, it reminds you of where you have been and where you are now. It also shows others who have had similar experiences that they aren’t alone. 

Then we were asked to explore where you are now and how you got there. It is a powerful reminder of how far you have come. 

In this episode, we bridge the gap between self-reflection and spiritual reality. 

We explore why your struggle with perfectionism and comparison isn't just a "personality trait"—it’s a battlefield. 

You will learn how to identify the quiet tactics of the enemy, how to practically apply the Armor of God to your mental health, and how to use rest as a weapon of resistance.

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Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Using the Armor of God to Defeat Perfectionism

When we were walking through the exercise this morning, I had a heavy feeling come over me when looking back on the past. 

But when we got to the present and what brought me through it, it was freedom. That heaviness was lifted. 

As we shared, I noticed a theme related to our fathers, alcoholism, and abandonment. 

We live in a very wicked world that preys on children. None of us come out unscathed. On top of that is the weight of societal expectations.

What is the first thing you think of when spiritual warfare comes to mind? Is it a Hollywood portrayal? That isn’t the norm, and of course, it is the made for TV version. 

In real life, it slowly seeps in dropping hints and seeds so that it grows over time. 

Let's break this down for what it looks like for women. Let's take comparison first. 

Satan is the father of lies, and comparison is one of his biggest lies. He twists around our God-given desires into shame and feeling like we are not enough. 

Another lie is tied to perfectionism. He tells us that our worth is not in God but in the world. Nothing could be further from the truth. 

This is an attempt to keep us from our true calling and what God wants for us. In John (10:10), we learn that “the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He wants to steal your joy, kill your confidence, and destroy your rest.”

Our biblical truth lies in Ephesians 6:11, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes."

There are two pieces of armor that will help you as you shift your mindset during the enemies attack: The shield of faith and belt of truth. 

Historically, it was the belt that held everything together. When things feel so out of control, it is the belt of truth that pulls you closer to God or the foundation of God.

Of course faith plays a huge role in that and acts as a shield against those negative thoughts that you are not enough. Our timing is not the same as God’s timing. His timing is perfect.

Practical Faith: 3 Biblical Action Steps to Overcome Comparison and Burnout

In this life, we have choices. It’s a constant battle of good and evil in the world we live in. We can choose to have a victim mindset or be a faithful warrior as we navigate the battlefield. 

Here are three things to remember as you take action when comparison ensues. 

1. Identify it so that you can take action. Are you noticing yourself comparing yourself to others? Call it out! This removes some of its power. Call out the enemy! Say these thoughts are not from God and denounce it. 
2. When you start ruminating in the negative thought loops, say “Stop!” Find that one verse from His word that speaks power into you and covers you in His grace. 

It might be: “His grace is sufficient for me, for His power is made perfect in my weakness."

3. Rest is difficult when you are a perfectionist. However, it is necessary for your mental and physical health. It shows Satan that you are centered in God. 

Take 15-20 minutes a day to put away your phone and computer, and take time to rest.

Remember, the closer you are to God, the more the enemy stirs. He hates it and will do anything to move you father away from all God wants for you. 

Rest in Christ and remember that you are a daughter of the King! 

I hope this helped! Let’s meet up again next week for another episode. Be blessed!