Hot Thoughts

Hot Thoughts

We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5

Did you know that conjuring a mental image can actually determine your body’s temperature? Specialists in biofeedback refer to “hot thoughts”—images of hot scenes, such as being in the desert or on a beach on a sunny day. These mental images literally increase blood flow and warmth to cold hands and feet.^a

Mental imagery is a practice that today’s top athletes are using. Studies on everything from golf to basketball to swimming to playing darts have revealed that those who use positive mental imagery of successful performance before an athletic event consistently improve their actual performance. They have an arguable edge over athletes who do not first conjure an image of themselves successfully competing.^b

If you are training for a marathon, for example, and you mentally rehearse running the race, you are likely to effect muscular changes before you even cross the start line. Your blood pressure will go up, your brain waves will be altered, your sweat glands will even become active—all in the absence of physical activity.

Equally amazing, if not more so, is the power of mental imagery on more general life. The level of joy and fulfillment we experience every day is due to a great extent to our self-image. And that self-image is created by our attitudes and self-talk—what we tell ourselves is true about ourselves, others we interact with, and our circumstances. For this reason, the very best kind of self-talk is the kind that gives us freedom to choose our attitudes, that says, “I choose my responses; they don’t choose me.” It says, “No thought can dwell in my mind without my permission.” After all, our thoughts, especially those about ourselves, ought to obey Christ.

As you consider how you might “take captive every thought,” be sure to reflect on your relationship with your spouse and the thinking that relates to that relationship. What thoughts can you choose to dwell on that will strengthen and protect your marriage—and what thoughts need to be captured and taught to obey Christ?

She that fails to command her thoughts will soon lose command of her actions.

—Anonymous

^a 25

^b 26