Operating in the Opposite Spirit

This article originally appeared on Curt Landry Ministries.

*Note: This is the second of a two-part series. To view the first part click here.

Applying the Principles of Operating in the Opposite Spirit

So, when you’re going to apply the principles of God, you need to…

• Stand firm and fast
• Apply them quickly

The Scripture says in Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast, therefore in the liberty of which you are in Christ Jesus, that made you free and do not get entangled to the yoke of bondage.”

So, this disciple who is part of our team, that’s what happened to him. He made a decision not to get entangled by the enemy through bitterness. Even though he experienced anger, he experienced the whole thing. It’s not that you’re not feeling. It’s just that you’re choosing, please hear me, you’re just choosing not to get involved with it.

So, when you notice the enemy is trying to take over your mind, will and emotions, as soon as you start to feel that…

• Declare the blood of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Tell the enemy by the authority of Yeshua that he must back up.
• Operate out of the spirit of love, kindness, gentleness, patience, goodness and faithfulness.

The only way to do this is to lean into Jesus and know the Word, declaring it over your situation.

Let Me Talk to You as a Spiritual Father

But here, I want to speak to you as a spiritual father to many of you. But let me talk to you as a mature older man, and let me talk to you as a businessman.

If you’re really going to be successful in your business life, you’ll have to learn how to say less and act more. And I’m saying you’ve got to, even with your family. When things go wrong, it’s better. Listen, you’re feeling it.

Don’t try to go out and recruit others and build a team around your bitterness, anger or frustration.

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

And the thing in business is this, if you meditate on that which is good and pure and holy and of good report, then the God of peace will protect you and trust God in your battles that I just read Galatians 5 here out of our book.

If you choose to develop a spiritual life where you’re Christ-centered…

• Your identity is in Christ
• Your character is in Christ
• You are in that Galatians fruit: love, peace, joy, long-suffering, temperance, kindness of which such there is no law

… then the contribution, the three Cs: Christ’s likeness, Christ’s character and Christ’s contribution, if you’ll focus on that contribution, your contribution just isn’t your money.

Think about this disciple I used as an example. He basically saved this company potentially millions of dollars because I really think if he would’ve said something, the new guy probably would’ve blown the deal up, and they would’ve lost it. And not to mention, it’s this company’s largest customer, and the enemy was after it.

The enemy’s always trying to steal your prosperity. He’s always trying to steal your networks, so don’t let him in. He’s the fiery dart that came in, but don’t give it any fuel. Don’t water the seeds of bitterness.

Calling Joshua’s and Caleb’s

So, when you’re operating in the opposite spirit, you can do it biblically. There were two servants of the Lord, and they went out to look at an opportunity, they went out with a consulting crew, and they went out to check out things and growing and the opportunity for some business, and these two executives that worked for Moses, this one name was Joshua, the other was Caleb, and they went with 10 others to spy out the Promised Land. And those 10 spies spoke out about the giants and the dangers, and Joshua and Caleb stood up on God’s promise and believed that they were able to take the land.

So, that’s battling in the opposite spirit. It’s like there are always going to be problems. It doesn’t take a genius or even somebody very smart to point out the problems, but it takes a spiritual person who is wise to point out the solution and the promises of God.

Calling Daniel’s and Hannah’s

Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den and could have been operating out of fear. Instead, he trusted God, and God saved him in a lion’s den.

Hannah, the prophet Samuel’s mother, could have operated out of doubt and discouragement when she was unable to conceive. Instead, she trusted God. And look what God provided. One of the greatest prophets, Samuel. I know we all talk about Elisha and Elijah, but Samuel was huge. I mean, he was just so on target his whole life. He just was not swayed by these kings or men. He was just a godly man. And you know what? His mother was a godly woman.

Fight with Faith

So, if you’re in a battle of fear, fight with faith.

If you’re in a battle with sadness, fight with joy.

If you’re in a battle with self-doubt, fight with God’s truth.

If you’re in a battle of confusion, fight with God’s Word, which will bring clarity and peace.

And if you’re in a battle of a judging spirit, fight with the love of the Father. {eoa}

Curt Landry, founder of Curt Landry Ministries, and his wife, Christie, travel extensively, preaching and teaching about the Jewish roots of the Christian faith. Together, their passion is to empower families to live and leave Kingdom legacies and understand their own personal heritage.