Taking Every Thought Captive

Our mind is a powerful tool that can control us if we don’t first control it and what we fill it with. Take a second and honestly answer these questions:

1. What do you find yourself focusing on or worrying about?
2. What do you find yourself thinking about the most?

Personally, by having more time this summer, I have been able to be more productive by working and earning money but I also have become idle. Idleness has led me to fill my mind with unhealthy things.

On the days I don’t work, I have spent a lot of my time on my phone. Specifically, on various social media apps and wasting hours of my day. And instead of feeling rested after my rest days, I have felt even more tired by the end of my day. Instead of doing beneficial things for my soul, mind, and body, I have allowed myself to give into thoughts of comparison and jealousy leading me to constantly doubt myself and question God’s plan for my life.

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

2 Corinthians 10:5

If we proactively take every thought captive, do you know how much stronger our dependence on God would become? If you store up God’s word in your heart and use biblical truth against every sinful thought, I believe our prayer lives would be a lot stronger, our dependence on our savior would grow, our faith would strengthen, and we would consequently experience a lot more peace and joy that comes from having faith and spending time with God.

“How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

Psalm 119: 9-11

If you spend hours on social media apps you’re more susceptible to comparison, feelings of jealousy, despair, and desiring what the world desires. For me, when I spend time apart from God and spend more time with nonbelievers or on my phone, my desires tend to become much more worldly and selfish.

However, when you spend more time in the word, or having fulfilling, Godly conversations, or even reading a book about the gospel, or listening to gospel music, you more apt to acknowledge God throughout your day and thus focus on the things above, which God calls us to do (Colossians 3:2).

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:8-9

I am definitely not saying that this is an easy task, but it is a crucial aspect of the christian walk. Personally, when I begin to think about things of the world, and less about the things of God, I start to doubt if God really is enough. The truth is He is more than enough.

When temptation feels too strong to resist, know that because we are in Christ, and Christ is in us, He has given us the power we need to live a Godly life.

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

2 Peter 1:3

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

1 Corinthians 10:13

Whatever you spend the most time thinking about or filling your mind with, the more it will consume you. So focus on what’s above and notice how seeking God will transform not only your thought pattern, but it will transform your life.

Take a moment to pray with me.

Lord, thank you that your mercies are new every morning. Thank you that when we are tempted, you provide a way out. Lord, remind us that you are our strength and help us to renew our minds and take every thought captive. Help us to focus on things that are noble, right, and pure and not on the things of this world. Align our desires with the desires you have for our lives and help us to take up our cross daily and follow you. You are so good and there is nothing better than the time we get to spend with you. Thank you God, in your name I pray, Amen.