The Battle For Mentis

In the rolling hills of a distant land stood a great city called Mentis. This city was unlike any other, for it existed within the mind of every person. At the center of Mentis, atop the highest hill, loomed an imposing fortress known as the Stronghold of Lies.

For generations, the people of Mentis lived in the shadow of this stronghold. It had been there for so long that people had forgotten it had not been there forever. Its walls were built from vast stones of false beliefs, cemented together through years of reinforced patterns of thinking. The fortress was guarded by Fear and Pride, who turned away any who dared to question its authority.

One day, a humble messenger named Truth arrived at the gates of Mentis. He carried with him scrolls of wisdom from the Great King who ruled over all cities of the mind. Truth called out to the people, “The King sends word that you need not live under the tyranny of the stronghold. He offers you freedom and a new way of thinking.”

Many of the citizens, however, were too afraid to listen. They had lived so long under the stronghold’s influence that its lies felt like safety. Who else would protect them? Some even attacked Truth, driven by Fear and Pride.

But there was one young woman named Hope, who heard Truth’s words and felt a stirring in her heart. Despite the warnings of her fellow citizens, she approached Truth and read the scrolls he carried.

As Hope read, she felt as though the scales were falling from her eyes. She saw the stronghold for what it truly was – a prison of deception. With newfound courage, she decided to help Truth spread the King’s message. Together, Truth and Hope began to chip away at the foundations of the stronghold. It was hard work, and they often felt overwhelmed by the task. The stronghold had stood for so long that many believed it to be indestructible. Slowly but surely, more citizens joined their cause. Love brought his warmth to melt the cold hearts turned hard by lies. Faith provided the strength to persevere when the task seemed impossible. Grace offered forgiveness to those who had long defended the stronghold.

As more people accepted Truth, bricks began to fall from the stronghold’s walls. Fear and Pride found themselves outnumbered by a growing army of believers armed with the King’s wisdom.

Finally, after much struggle and perseverance, the last wall of the stronghold crumbled. In its place, the citizens began to build a new structure – the Temple of Truth. Unlike the old fortress that cast shadows over the city, this new building shone with light, Illuminating every corner of Mentis.

With Truth’s help the people learned to guard their minds against new lies that might try to rebuild that old fortress.

And so the city of Mentis was transformed. The message of freedom spread to other cities, and a great revolution of truth soon swept across the land of minds, one liberated thought at a time.

Kyle Idleman joins James and Betty this Monday on LIFE TODAY. Taken from Every Thought Captive by Kyle Idleman. Copyright ©April 2025 by Kyle Idleman. Used by permission of Zondervan, www.zondervan.com.