A similar thing happens to us when our thought processes are skewed by our experiences: we see life through a dirty lense. When these thought processes are established in our lives they are called 'mindsets' or 'strongholds.' These mindsets are rooted in the experiences in life that the enemy has brought about and they are meant to add to, take away from, or alter the understanding of God's Word and the operation of the Spirit in our lives.
Mindsets can skew the word of God, making it more of a weapon or excuse rather than an instrument of love and grace. People who have been raised in an atmosphere of harsh judgement might hone in on disciplinary scenarios in the Bible and apply these as answers to every problem. Those who have grown up with false ideas of marriage may see scripture as supporting a slave/master relationship rather than an example of Christ and His bride, the Church.
What's born out of a mindset is an improper motive. A motive is that which influences us to act the way we do or that which induces feelings leading to words and actions (Dictionary.com). When our motives are consistently self focused, or set on getting a person or circumstance under our control as opposed to reconciling all things to God through His Spirit, then we are likely operating in a mindset.
The greatest weapons against mindsets are deliverance, washing of the water of the Word, prayer, mentoring, speaking the truth in love, and great grace! Not simply one of these, but all of them as the Spirit directs. When a person is controlled by a mindset the enemy has usurped the leading of the Holy Spirit - but a Spirit led believer can be an instrument to bring God's freedom to a person held captive by a mindset.
We are people who have been bought out of the slavery of mindsets into the glorious freedom of Christ! Be washed by the Word and led by His Spirit that you may walk in His freedom!
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