This is the final article of a three-part series of not giving the enemy (the devil) a seat at your table. There is no doubt in my mind that Louie Giglio, (author), is a Rational emotive behavior therapy “guy.” Winning the battle of your mind has always been difficult, but even more so in the present days we live in.

Today, good is bad and bad is good. One can “walk out” of Walmart with a non-paid 65 inch TV, and if it is under $950, no one can stop you because of the bail laws. In chemical dependency treatment, the majority of the CD counselors I speak with are totally frustrated.

Clients can continue to go to treatment, relapse time after time without consequences. I blame OASAS (Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse) for their stupidity in the type of treatment counselors should now perform. Old school thinking is that treatment treats one addiction at a time. Now one-size fits all, treating chemical dependency, mental health, over-eating, smoking and so on-and on.

We have always stressed in REBT that one who can change your thinking and change your life, because one’s mindset is on rational thinking based upon facts to prove their thinking.

Giglio stated his mindset is on Jesus Christ. I agree, but give choices to the higher power of their understanding spiritually. Thus the way you go about stopping the enemy from sitting at your table is by winning the battle of your mind. Winning the battle means replacing old, harmful thoughts with new life-giving thoughts. In REBT we call this “thought stopping.” We do drills on this concept daily. The thinking of these “new” thoughts will result in – changed behavior. Victory always begins in the mind. So, too, does defeat. When working with severely disabled CD clients, I have told them to “strangle” fear and think less of the devil and what you think he may do to you, and think more about God and the truth you are seeking to embrace. This is done one step at a time, one new thought each day, as AA says, “easy does it.”

There are seven thoughts that need cultivation. Memorize these verses and personalize them.

— I am God’s story — This story is bigger than you because God has written it. It’s about Him, but you have a seat at His table. Memorize this verse. “I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not harm you, and plans to give you hope and a future.”

— I am fearfully and wonderfully made — You were not born at random. God knows who you are and has redeemed you. Thought to memorize: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful!” You are created in His image, not yours. In time you will come to believe that you are who God says you are — unique, special, valuable.

— My life has a purpose — You were born for a reason. God has good things for you to do. Memorize this verse: We are God’s handiwork, created in Jesus Christ to do good works, which were prepared in advance for us!

— The cross has the final word — The work Jesus did on the cross defines your life. You are not unwanted, unlovely or worthless. Your identity was born in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. You are forgiven. So pick up your cross, whatever it may be, shake the dust off your feet and trudge onward.

— I serve at the pleasure of the King — Memorize this thought: “I am dispatched by the Holy Spirit, on kingdom assignments to be a light in a ‘dark’ world, so others can see Jesus Christ.”

— Jesus is Lord, and Jesus is my Lord — Your Lord is stronger than anything, higher than anything, and greater than any king. At his name, every knee should bow and every tongue know that He is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

— My God turns evil into good — “If you want the rainbow, you have to go through the rain.” We live on a broken planet. Life does not always work out as you hope. When you win the battle of your mind, no hardship, disappointment, disease, divorce or darkness or desert can stop the growth of Godly thoughts from becoming mighty trees in your way of thinking. Memorize this thought: God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, according to His purpose.

To all addicted people, if you can’t change your thinking and get sober, then you do need mental health treatment.

Mike Tramuta is an Rational emotive behavior therapy counselor.