II Corinthians 10:5 (ESV) ‘We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, ‘
To a very great extent, how we get through this life is dependent on our ability to live out this verse. This verse is about perspective and attitude. It’s about choice, how we respond to things going on in our lives, moment by moment, day by day, week in, week out.
Think about a specific instance, something that happened to or was said to you recently. Where did your mind go? Did it take a dark turn? Were you filled with anger, bitterness, sorrow, self pity? Was it something that you allowed your mind to indulge and partake in even though you knew you shouldn’t?
It doesn’t require action to be wrong. Jesus judges us not only by our actions but also by our heart. Moses brought the law to the Israelites. By the law, the act of adultery is wrong. Jesus comes along and says that action isn’t required, but to merely look lustfully at another is sin. By the law, murder is wrong. Jesus comes along and says that action isn’t required, but holding hate in your heart for another is sin. These are high standards. To overcome things such as this is a mastering of the practice of holding our thoughts captive. It’s a mastery of adopting a righteous attitude, seeing the world around us through God’s lens and thinking accordingly. It’s an attitude, a perception that when accomplished draws us closer to one another and closer to Jesus.
So, today, make it a goal to capture your thoughts when they are rising up against the knowledge of God. Intentionally pray for the opportunity to test yourself in this today, then pray for it again tomorrow and the next and the day after that. Adopt this attitude and see how your perspective about your day in and day out shifts. Be a light to those around you. Take captive every thought and have a blessed weekend.
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
