Taking Captive Every Thought
Making them obedient to Christ
and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
I am easily distracted. And it seems that the older I get, the easier I am distracted. That is not always a bad thing. But there are times when I find it very frustrating.
And this is particularly the case when praying or meditating on the Word. It seems like my mind is constantly bouncing from one thought to another. And if it does settle down, all too frequently it is on some trivial thought that refuses to go away. Generally not a bad thought. Just one that is irrelevant.
So I find this word from Paul to be particularly relevant to me today. Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Something I am not as good at as I would like to be.
Taking Thoughts Captive
But there is a big challenge in that. How do I take my thoughts captive? How can I bring them under control? It would seem to be something that I can and should do.
The previous verses give some clues as to how this might be done. Paul, using military terms, talks about the weapons we have at our disposal. They are not the weapons of this world, But they have the power to demolish strongholds. Including the stronghold of stray thoughts.
Mind Control
Bringing my mind under control is not something I can do on my own. But I have one who is interested in my success, and he will come alongside me to help me in that spiritual battle.
But it will also require discipline on my part. To keep bringing my thoughts back to where they should be. Taking every thought captive. Rather than being held captive by my stray thoughts.
