Every thought captive

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; - 2 Corinthians 10.3-5

The real battle for us is based on the battle for our minds. Everything we do comes from our minds so if our minds are not right nothing else is going to be right.

They are a few key elements to winning that battle for the mind. One is the ‘think on these things’ passage from Philippians. Think about things that are pure and honourable and holy and just and lovely.

But here is a consummate phrase – bring every one of your thoughts into captivity to the mind of Christ.

I know there are times when my mind can just go crazy. Stuff seems to come from nowhere to infect my mind. Wrong, befuddled, confused, sensual, vengeful, and selfish thoughts can dominate my mind and if I am not careful I am capable of acting on them. If I do the battle is over and I have lost.

We can only win the warfare we are in with the mind of Christ. Our thoughts must be controlled by what He would do in the situation. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal – instead they are controlled by the mind of Christ.