We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
I realize in the context of this passage, Paul is defending his apostleship to the Corinthian church. But this concept of taking thoughts captive to obey Christ is critical to our spiritual formation. Sometimes we believe a lot of lies about ourselves and let our feelings dictate our action or inaction. This verse encourages us to imprison any negative thought until it conforms to God’s Word and is obedient to Christ.
Maybe this is a stretch, but I see these thoughts as prisoners who cannot be let out on parole until they’ve been reformed. Our thought lives can be like habitual criminals, falling into patterns that continually get us arrested. It’s only by his Holy Spirit at work in our lives that our thoughts can be transformed and properly aligned with his, which leads to this often prayed passage:
Pray Scripture
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23–24).
Eternal God who formed us, you already know our hearts. Our innermost desires and our darkest struggles are as clear as day to you. Make us keenly aware of them so we are brought to repentance. Give us a desire to follow you. We trust you to lead us on the right path and correct us when we stray.
