Captive Thoughts

Captive Thoughts

What repeatedly enters your mind and occupies your mind, eventually shapes your mind, and will ultimately express itself in what you do and who you become.

John Ortberg

Your inner life determines the kind of person you become. I created you with the ability to choose what your mind dwells on. The way you think controls what your priorities are and the actions you take every day. My Word says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7, NKJV). I can see when you are struggling inside.

To develop a mind that pleases Me, set your thoughts on things above and keep them focused there (Colossians 3:2). The key to resisting temptation is to decide ahead of time what you will and won’t do. Take control of your wayward thoughts every time they head in a sinful direction. Practice the habit of capturing rebellious thoughts and focus on obeying Me (2 Corinthians 10:5). Renew your mind with Scripture—not as a “once in a while” option, but as an ongoing habit of transforming your thought patterns. Don’t be conformed to the world’s way of responding—confront your sinful thoughts and turn them over to Me. It isn’t easy to respond this way, but you can gain self-control and honor Me with a pure mind. Strive to round up and corral wrong notions, conforming each one to My truth.

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8:5-6, NIV