Thursday, September 8

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:3–5)

In today's reading from 2 Corinthians 10, Paul combats some demeaning commentary that he had heard from some quarters regarding his ministry. He recognizes that this commentary may have emerged partly from pride, but also potentially from spiritually opposing forces.

His admonishment in the verses above stands as a key element of experiencing victory as a Christ-follower. We will all certainly face judgments, slights, and outright lies from others, ourselves, and evil forces that will confuse, frustrate, and wound us. The world might suggest that we should "take it in stride" and simply overlook these words and thoughts. But Paul suggests a more active approach: to "fight"; to "demolish" strongholds, arguments, and every pretension; and to "take captive" our thoughts.

From my observation, it is certain that passivity with our thought life will not yield great results. In some ways, our mind is like a balloon, driven by whatever winds we allow to affect it. For example, if we allow ourselves (in effect, choose) to listen to evil forces, our mind-balloon will face those forces and become blown off course from what God had set in our hearts to do, say, or think. If we submit to the Lord and take this active course of taking every thought captive, then God Himself becomes the main force, and our lives may fulfill the meaning and purpose that He intends for us.

It ultimately involves an active choice on our parts: Will we choose to fight, demolish, and take captive? Or will we allow ourselves to be passively blown by the winds?

How may we actually take action towards achieving these goals? First, we must store up truth in our hearts so that we may discern what is false. Reading Scripture and staying connected to God through prayer will provide us with His godly viewpoint, allowing us to sift between the counterfeit and true. Next, we must recognize the reality of the battle and prepare ourselves daily for that. Ephesians 6:10–18 gives us a great portrait of becoming ready for the battle. In addition, God has given us our brothers and sisters in Christ so that we may seek one another's counsel and encouragement in the battle.

May we choose to fight, demolish, and take captive today, strengthened by the Holy Spirit and protected by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord God, protect our minds and hearts during the battle that rages around us today. Give us eyes and ears of discernment to distinguish between lies and the truth. Fill our minds with truth through Your Word and our time with You. Strengthen our relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ so that we may have victory in this battle together. We desperately need You in our lives and in our country. Heal our hearts, and heal our land so that we might honor You and worship You. In Jesus's Name, amen.

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