A tough thought is a hard dog to keep under the porch.
I’m sure a lot of psychoanalysts would say that’s a good thing. Even so, we always kick that mutt back under there when he sticks his head out.
Most thoughts don’t need to be analyzed and categorized. But, if I claim to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, the ones that direct my behavior ought to be forcibly aligned with a moral objective. The apostle Paul called that “taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” [2Cor. 10:5]
This sounds like sound enough advice. But how do I actually accomplish it?
Maybe I could envision it the way Paul did. In his second letter to the church of God which [was] at Corinth, with all the saints who [were] throughout Achaia, he recognized the vulnerability of his fleshly existence to the readers. But even though he lived in the flesh, he chose not to live according to the flesh. [2Cor. 10:3]
[σάρξ: flesh, physical body; human nature, earthly descent]
I believe this is a distinction that’s crucial for Christ’s disciple to both grasp and demonstrate. Paul understood that battles waged for control over human flesh could never be won solely through the efforts of that flesh. His weapons of conquest were not devices of the flesh, but instruments of Divine competence. Translated literally from the Greek text, they were “…powerful in God toward the destruction of fortresses.” [2Cor. 10:4]
And here’s some more good news.
God’s not just powerful. He also has the biggest guns.
His methods of warfare transcend the limits of human acumen and imagination. By agency of His Spirit Who dwells in me, I can choose not to be intimidated and held captive by the barrage of wicked, dangerous thoughts that constantly attack my fleshly conscience.
In fact, I can even turn the table on them. I can take them as hostages and hold them in custody instead. If I choose to be led by the Spirit, then I’m obligated to rely on His jurisdiction to either acquit or convict them. [2Cor. 10:5; Gal. 5:24-25] I can also confidently force every thought through reliable filters available to me, such as the Written Word or the wisdom of a brother.
Living obediently to Jesus Christ—or choosing to be led by the Spirit—provides a network of effective defense mechanisms to combat the destructive forces of sin in this age. But every line of defense originates in the knowledge of His commandments.
Each concept, each plan, and each desire must be squared with His or it has to be kicked back under the porch before it sinks it teeth into my flesh.
Why?
Because entertaining suspicious thoughts is risky business:
“But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.” [Ja. 1:14-15]
A captive thought is a controlled thought.
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Last Updated: June 23, 2023 by cjournalme
Who Lets the Dogs Out?
A tough thought is a hard dog to keep under the porch.
I’m sure a lot of psychoanalysts would say that’s a good thing. Even so, we always kick that mutt back under there when he sticks his head out.
Most thoughts don’t need to be analyzed and categorized. But, if I claim to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, the ones that direct my behavior ought to be forcibly aligned with a moral objective. The apostle Paul called that “taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” [2Cor. 10:5]
This sounds like sound enough advice. But how do I actually accomplish it?
Maybe I could envision it the way Paul did. In his second letter to the church of God which [was] at Corinth, with all the saints who [were] throughout Achaia, he recognized the vulnerability of his fleshly existence to the readers. But even though he lived in the flesh, he chose not to live according to the flesh. [2Cor. 10:3]
[σάρξ: flesh, physical body; human nature, earthly descent]
I believe this is a distinction that’s crucial for Christ’s disciple to both grasp and demonstrate. Paul understood that battles waged for control over human flesh could never be won solely through the efforts of that flesh. His weapons of conquest were not devices of the flesh, but instruments of Divine competence. Translated literally from the Greek text, they were “…powerful in God toward the destruction of fortresses.” [2Cor. 10:4]
And here’s some more good news.
God’s not just powerful. He also has the biggest guns.
His methods of warfare transcend the limits of human acumen and imagination. By agency of His Spirit Who dwells in me, I can choose not to be intimidated and held captive by the barrage of wicked, dangerous thoughts that constantly attack my fleshly conscience.
In fact, I can even turn the table on them. I can take them as hostages and hold them in custody instead. If I choose to be led by the Spirit, then I’m obligated to rely on His jurisdiction to either acquit or convict them. [2Cor. 10:5; Gal. 5:24-25] I can also confidently force every thought through reliable filters available to me, such as the Written Word or the wisdom of a brother.
Living obediently to Jesus Christ—or choosing to be led by the Spirit—provides a network of effective defense mechanisms to combat the destructive forces of sin in this age. But every line of defense originates in the knowledge of His commandments.
Each concept, each plan, and each desire must be squared with His or it has to be kicked back under the porch before it sinks it teeth into my flesh.
Why?
Because entertaining suspicious thoughts is risky business:
“But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.” [Ja. 1:14-15]
A captive thought is a controlled thought.
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