Captive Thoughts
By now you’ve no doubt figured my Bible study approach is threefold: Grow in my knowledge of the Scripture, grow in my relationship with Jesus, and then figure out how to apply what I’ve learned to my life in a way that is relatable to my everyday activities.
However, the reality is life doesn’t always accommodate that practice. What I mean by that is while we may have great plans to stay focused on God all day, often times the stresses of life, other’s words, our pride, and our way too full schedules, can, and often does, highjack our minds. When that happens we can hardly think straight much less take time to study the Bible, work on our relationship with Jesus, or even consider slowing down long enough to figure out how, when, and where to apply the Biblical truths we already do know.
I refer to that state of mind as being…
Emotionally Intoxicated
To recover from that state of mind we need to be intentional about taking back that which was taken from us, we need to Take Captive our Thoughts. In order to do that effectively, you need a process. Following is mine and I hope it helps you personalize one for yourself…
The Problem
A major contributor to becoming emotionally intoxicated is we can get led astray by falseness disguised as truth which leads us away from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. Once we shift our priorities it’s easy to become overwhelmed.
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. 2 Cor 11: 13-15
The Solution
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6
Take captive every thought by retraining your mind to intentionally focus on what is pure, right, and good.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. - Philippians 4:8,9
Let’s Break it down to help with applying it to our life:
True: unconcealed, fully tested, fact
Honorable: Noble, Revered
Just: Righteous, approved by God, Conformed to God
Pure: Prepared for worship, uncontaminated, inside & out
Lovely: Acceptable, worth the effort to have & embrace
Commendable: Admirable, Reputable, Spoken highly of
Excellence: Moral Goodness, virtue, ethical
Worthy of Praise: Deserves praise, approved
It’s All About Prioritizing
My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you - Proverbs 2:1-11
Daily Prayer
Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
- Proverbs 139:23,24
