Taking Your Thoughts Into Captivity

by Melissa J | More from this Blogger

26 Feb 2007 02:32 AM

• "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought to the obedience of Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

Other translations say, "bringing every thought into captivity". This scripture is so awesome. Within, I gather our weapons of battle are eternal in God and with them we can take captive even our thoughts that are not in line with Christ's will. There are lying and deceiving spirits out there. I don't believe even the most righteous have been immune to a wicked thought popping into their mind. I really think it's a matter of what we do with the thought that determines if it becomes our sin or not.

You might have heard it said, "if you tell it to yourself something enough, eventually you are going to believe it." I think there is a lot of truth to this. When a sinful thought comes to mind do you entertain it? Do you bat the thought around in your mind or do you bring it into captivity by rejecting it and moving your thinking to something more wholesome? I believe continuing to entertain sinful thoughts, will bring you down and weaken your faith.

• "For out of abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34)

• "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7)

• "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren." (James 1:14-16)

I would like to make a book recommendation to you. It is called Battlefield of the Mind: Winning the Battle in Your Mind and it's by Joyce Meyer. It is a scripture packed book that brings clarity, elaborating on various areas of struggle many of us have with our thoughts.

The Bible tells us to be sober-minded; awake and alert in our minds. I found the more I have taken bad thoughts captive, the easier it has become to do so. If you're struggling with unwholesome thoughts, you might want to use those opportunities for seeking God in prayer. The act of prayer alone should help you become refocused and in a healthier frame of mind. God wants your mind and heart filled with Him and His word, not corruption and sin which will eventually destroy you.

Please visit my relate blogs:

The Power of the Tongue

Judging Others

We Know it's Wrong, So Why Do We Do It?

Cutting Behaviors and Self-Destructive Thoughts

What Satan Wants You to Believe: Part 1

Scripture references are quoted from the NKJV.

Learn more about Melissa J

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Valorie Delp (49340) 26 Feb 2007 06:09 AM

This is one of my favorite scriptures!

KeeperAtHome (675) 26 Feb 2007 07:50 AM

I remember when I discovered this verse several years ago. I was struggling with my thought life very much at the time. I wrote it on a notecard and took it to work with me. I memorized it and whenever my thoughts began to stray, I would claim it. The mind, along with the tongue, are so difficult to control! Only by Christ's power is it possible. Thanks, Melissa!

mama2riley (24481) 26 Feb 2007 03:22 PM

Another great article Melissa!