Verse of the week - II Corinthians 10:5

Rabbit trails.

That's often where our thoughts take us. If unchecked our thoughts can run from a reflection of God's greatness to a vacation plan to scheduling conflicts to childhood memories to what's on the dinner menu all in the space of two minutes.


Sometimes, when I follow my thoughts they bring me into sinful places.
Places of discontent.
Places of grumbling.
Places of jealousy.
Places filled with pride.
At least some of you can probably relate.

That is part of the reason that verse speaks to me with so much conviction. II Corinthians 10:5 says, "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." This was my verse for the week almost a year and a half ago, but I revisit it on almost a weekly basis, and had some fresh perspective recently.


Some words in Scripture I just need to dig back into to draw out the meaning even more. "Captive" is one of those words. If you care to see the original Greek word and see for yourself, feel free to do so. It comes from a word that means to lead away like taking a prisoner of war captive. The root word comes from the word for spear.


Taking my thoughts captive involves warfare. Taking aim, tying them up, ridding myself of these thoughts or making them work for me in obedience to Christ.


How does that look? Well, as I stand there stewing about some blatant injustice to my personal rights (you know: bad drivers, needy kids, unending housework, etc.) I need to grab that thought and remember my never ending role of service to God.


Instead of annoyance at the constant demands on my time, I should pray for strength for myself, giving thanks for the blessing of a full house, for the opportunity to model a follower of Jesus to my children, for my child to grow to love Him also.


Instead of grumbling about the ironing or cooking that needs to get done . . .pray for the family members that you are caring for, thanking God for a husband that provides so faithfully, rejoicing that we have such abundance of food and clothing, recognizing God's constant provision and blessing.


Lord, please help me this week to stop those runaway thoughts and take them captive for Your glory. I want to praise you for the blessings and not grumble over the inconveniences. Thank you, Lord, for the specific challenges of Your Word that reach so vividly into my life and mind. Keep changing me. ~Amen

We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

~II Corinthians 10:5~