FOR YOU ARE NOT MINDFUL OF THE THINGS OF GOD, BUT THE THINGS OF MEN

Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Welcome as we reflect on the words of life.

Not every voice that comes to you with comfort is meant to truly comfort you. Not every voice that gives you hope intends to lead you to a hopeful end. Let us learn from our Lord Jesus Christ and how He discerned spirits.

Matthew 16:21–23 (KJV)
“From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”

Let us focus on this statement:
“For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

This reveals a deep spiritual truth:
Satan’s thoughts are not always presented as something obviously evil or demonic. Instead, they often come through human reasoning, human desires, and human emotions.

Satan studies what human beings love, desire, and long for—and then uses those very things as entry points to cause people to fall, especially in the early stages of their spiritual walk.

In this passage, Satan understood that human beings love comfort, encouragement, and avoidance of suffering. So he approached Jesus through Peter with a message that sounded caring and comforting:
“You will not suffer. This will not happen to you.”

From a human perspective, that sounds loving. But from God’s perspective, it was a direct opposition to the will of God, because the cross was necessary for salvation.

However, Jesus Christ, being the Rock, discerned the source immediately. He recognized Satan working through Peter and rebuked him without hesitation.

The Unchanging Strategy of Satan

This same principle continues today. Satan has not changed.

He still studies human desires:

• People love encouragement

• People dislike correction

• People avoid discomfort and sacrifice

So what does he do?

He begins by comforting falsely, so that later he can destroy completely.

He may encourage you now—only to lead you into discouragement later that is so deep you cannot stand again.

Examples in Daily Christian Life

1. Salvation Delayed

Acts 2:40 (KJV)
“Save yourselves from this untoward generation.”

The Bible calls you to be saved now, but Satan whispers:
“Not yet… first settle your life.”

2. Neglecting Prayer

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)
“Pray without ceasing.”

The Bible calls you to a life of prayer, but Satan says:
“You are too busy… you are tired from work.”

3. Neglecting Fellowship

Hebrews 10:25 (KJV)
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another…”

The Bible commands regular fellowship, but Satan says:
“Work is too much… God understands.”

It sounds comforting—but its end is spiritual dryness and separation.

4. Postponing Service to God

John 9:4 (KJV)
“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”

The Bible calls you to serve God now, but Satan says:
“There is still time… others are praying for you.”

5. Avoiding Self-Denial

Luke 9:23 (KJV)
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

The Bible calls for self-denial, but Satan says:
“Don’t worry… one day you will change. For now, just stay as you are. No one is perfect.”

6. Justifying Sin

1 Corinthians 6:9–10 (KJV)
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators… shall inherit the kingdom of God.”

The Bible warns clearly, but Satan says:
“You will not die… many are doing it and still living.”

Spiritual Discernment: The Key Lesson

All these are thoughts of Satan, yet they appear as human reasoning.

Therefore, we must be very careful.

1 John 4:1 (KJV)
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God…”

Not every comforting thought is from God.

Test every thought:

• Does it align with the Word of God?

• Does it lead to obedience or compromise?

If a thought contradicts God’s Word—even if it feels comforting—reject it immediately.

Your Response as a Believer

When such thoughts come, you must stand firm and declare:

“Get behind me, Satan!
For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

Conclusion

True comfort from God may sometimes lead you through the cross before glory.
False comfort from Satan avoids the cross—but ends in destruction.

Proverbs 14:12 (KJV)
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

May the Lord help us to discern rightly, stand firmly in His Word, and walk in truth.

The Lord bless you.

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