Bible Verses by Topic ~ Thoughts
Bring Every Thought Captive By Elizabeth Marks
What does this saying, "bring every thought captive" imply? It seems to imply intention, discipline, and purpose. What does the word captive mean? Well, there seems to be two very fitting definitions: (1) Kept within bounds; confined (2) Held under control of another but having the appearance of independence.
Our thoughts determine our heart, which determines our words and actions. To bring our thoughts captive is to hold them within godly bounds. To confine our thoughts to what is good, noble, pure, just, praiseworthy, honorable, and true (Philippians 4:8-9).
But who we bring our thoughts captive to is also critical. We could make them captive to our self, but that would lead us down a path that seems right but ends in death. No. The only choice for a Christian is to make our thoughts captive to Jesus Christ. Only Jesus holds control over us, while giving us the freedom to choose whether we submit to His authority or not.
How do we make our thoughts captive to Christ?
First we must give our lives to Jesus. We need to recognize we are sinners. None of us is good enough on our own to stand before God. All our efforts are filthy rages to Him. Romans 3:23 says all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Next we recognize Jesus Christ as the Son of God and our Savior. For He who knew no sin was made sin for us. Jesus paid the penalty for our sin. He died in our place. When we confess Jesus as Lord, we are saved from our sins. The old man is gone and the new man has come.
Second we need to read and memorize God's Word in order to fill our mind with His truth. The Bible is God's word. It is inspired by Him to teach us what is wrong in our life. It teaches good doctrine for life. It trains us in righteousness. It equips us for the good work God prepared in advance for us to do.
Third we monitor our thought life. When a thought comes we need to assess whether it is good and pleasing to God or if it is something leading us away from God. As we watch our thoughts by comparing them to God's Word, it becomes easier to tell which is good and which is bad. With practice we can switch our negative thoughts over to positive godly thoughts just easily as we change the channels on our televisions. The goal is not to dwell on the bad thoughts but to quickly push them out, replacing them with God's truth instead. The following examples may help you understand.
Old Thoughts
| New Thoughts
|
I can't do it.
| "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
|
I'm no good, worthless.
| "God so loved the world He gave His Son to die for it."
|
I'm afraid. I'm lonely.
| "Don't be afraid, I am with you. I will never foresake you."
|
I'm so angry.
| "Be angry but sin not. Don't let the sun go down on your anger."
|
I'm frustrated.
| "Do not lean on your own understanding
but acknowledge Him in all your ways
and He will direct your path.
|
I hate...
| "Bless those who curse you.
Love your enemies. Do good to them."
|
Nobody loves me.
| "I have loved you with an everlasting love."
|
Father, we know your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. You want us to know you are good. Help us to learn to switch our thoughts to your thoughts. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
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