Default Identity
What are default beliefs? Why are they so dangerous?
Most of who we are today has happened through default beliefs. Which are some of the most damaging beliefs long term.
Have you ever stopped to ask the question, I mean really sit down intentionally think through and ask, “Why am I, the way that I am?”
– Default belief systems happen so casually that they get entrenched without any fight or resistance.
The door is just wide open and they are allowed to come in and take up residence in our hearts. Regardless of where they came from. Doesn’t matter if there is any truth in their luggage, these guests move in.
Default beliefs typically come with an endorsement or recommendation by a trusted source.
– Default beliefs don’t come in and take over, they just hang out long enough quietly and become a part of the environment. Like they were originally there.
As I was thinking about this the Holy Spirit highlighted a story in my life that shows an example of how a default belief gets allowed and ultimately accepted and invited to stay.
When I was 19 years old I moved from my hometown to another state to live with some friends. I set out on my own without any real plan. Just wanted to get away.
I didn’t have a place to live lined up or a job waiting for me. I was just determined on not being where I was anymore.
So I packed up my 79′ International Scout with everything I owned crammed inside (and tied to the roof) and hit the road.
My first stop was my friends house. He was living with 4 other guys in a huge house while they were going to college.
My plan was to crash on the couch until I could find someplace to live.
Well this house turned out to be pretty amazing. It had a hot tub, weight room, steam room, the works. You can imagine as a young bachelor, this is where I wanted to live! And guess what…. There happened to an empty room…. 😏
This house belonged to the parents of one of the guys. He was very protective of it. Rightfully so, wanting to honor his family.
So the invitations to come in and take up residence there were few and far between. A very selective and intentional process.
(that’s how it should be, what we invite to dwell with us, to take up residence on the inside, should be very selective)
But I had an “in.” I was endorsed by one of the current residents.
I crashed out in the spare room and only unloaded from my truck what I needed for a couple of days. My job search began as well as the search for a place to live.
I noticed however that many of the things that I had packed up in my truck were an upgrade to what they had in the house…. I brought in my bigger TV…. I brought in my better stereo…. I began to “upgrade” the house.
(now think of this as those beliefs that are tied to convenience, distractions and pleasures. These are often where compromise begin, comfort…)
Slowly I was moving in…. Slowly I was gaining approval… Slowly I was becoming a part of the identity of that place.
One day, the guy who’s house it was, came to me and said you might as well start paying rent…. Lol.
I was in!
Default beliefs will come into your life this way… Not shouting for change, but slowly altering the environment in which they dwell. Sometimes making it seem more comfortable and easier.
But we are not called to hold values that make us comfortable. Quite the opposite. The message of Jesus, that the disciples lived and taught, were counter-cultural. Rooted in the truth as revealed by God. Not the truth that the world proclaims (which is subject to popularity).
I challenge you to sit down with the Holy Spirit and ask Him to begin to reveal where default beliefs have taken up residence in empty rooms of your life.
Am empty room could be a broken friendship, wounding from a romantic relationship. Maybe it stems from your childhood. Whatever it is, that void will find a way to be filled.
Be honest with yourself and take inventory of your spiritual house guests
Then evict them and replace them with the truth from Jesus.
The process isn’t difficult.
1. Ask for them to be revealed by the Holy Spirit.
2. Acknowledge that you believed them.
3. Repent for believing a “truth” that is contrary to God’s Word.
4. Ask for forgiveness by the Blood of Jesus.
5. Renounce the default belief/lie.
6. Break its effects off of your life in the name of Jesus.
7. Ask the Holy Spirit to restore to you all that was lost or stolen through this deception.
8. Praise God for His Grace and Mercy and love for your life.
If you are not sure how to work through this on your own. Message me and I’ll be happy to pray with you.
