Captive Thoughts

2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to, “...take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Every thought? How are we supposed to do that exactly? And why is it necessary?

Truth of the matter is, our thoughts cannot be trusted. We are sinful people living in a sin soaked world. SIN literally means to “miss the mark.” So, by extension, our thoughts will miss the mark of what is right most of the time. Either we are wrong in our thoughts or our motives are wrong. It’s okay, it’s not our fault. We were born into this. But we have been given direction on how to make things in our lives right. We have lovingly been given the Bible. This is our handbook, guidebook and rule book to our lives. (2 Tim 3:16)

Taking our thoughts captive begins with prayer. The scripture says to make our thoughts obedient to Christ. His will, His way - not ours. This will not always be easy, which is surely why it uses the word "make." We have to at times go against what we want and MAKE our thoughts obedient to Christ.

So, we check in with the Lord when we are making a decision or having thoughts that go astray. Talk to him honestly and give him time to answer back to your heart. We can also look to His word for guidance because there is no life circumstance that isn’t answered in the Bible, either by instruction or example! Also, as we develop a deeper relationship with our Father, we begin to understand His character and the character of Jesus Christ so well - that it influences our life and becomes our second nature, our “new self”. (Eph 4:24)

I like to think of it like this... My husband, Vinny, is originally from Boston. He is also Italian. That combo creates one gnarly (and seriously awesome) accent. Well, we have been together for 17 years now and friends began to notice just after the first few years that I was saying some things differently. When we moved to Boston some years later, it really got me. I wasn’t trying to sound different but his accent and being immersed in the culture, began to influence a handful of words and phrases in my vocabulary. It was automatic and second nature. It's funny because even now, I hear a bit of a southern accent in a couple of my kids after living in North Carolina for so many years. It just happens!

Well, that's a small comparison, but you understand my point. When we immerse ourselves in the Lord, it is so much easier to naturally begin to think like he thinks and speak like he speaks. When we take each thought captive, our actions become wiser. Confusing, self centered, anxious, angry, and judgmental thoughts will subside more and more. Instead our thought life will begin and end with love, kindness, joy, peace, mildness and faith!

May we live each day intentionally. May we take each thought captive, surrender it to Jesus and be changed forever. May our love change the lives of those around us. May we keep our focus on the Lord and stay encouraged and blessed!

<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/20507405/?claim=mvyhgg38bxu">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>