Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Does it ever happen to you that you’re thinking about something completely random, and then you’re trying to backtrack your thoughts and wonder, “How did I get here?”
Our minds are weird and interesting things that no one can fully understand. No scientist can explain how our thoughts wander or where they originate.
Yet the Bible encourages us to guard our thoughts (Proverbs 4:23) and to set our minds to the right things:
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. – Philippians 4:8
When the Pharisees were offended with Jesus’ ministry of healing the sick and forgiving sins, He knew their thoughts and asked: “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?” (Matthew 9:4).
This is a good question to ask yourself, to reflect on the state of your own heart. Are there any evil thoughts that you’ve been entertaining?
Perhaps there is some envy in your heart towards a friend? Maybe you’ve been secretly desiring vengeance for someone who hurt you? Or is there a person you’ve been thinking about lustfully?
You do not have to allow such thoughts to rule your mind. Instead, Paul tells us that we should:
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
