Take Captive Every Thought

From Jackie L. Halstead, ICS Managing Director

“We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:5. Saturday gave me good opportunity to practice this discipline. At about hour one of my “adventure,” I wrote the following:

The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry…I got up early this morning to lead the elders of my church in a devotional. It was icy and snowy and I am sitting in traffic on the interstate. It’s been over an hour. There are a number of accidents up ahead and so we wait. What to think–frustration at the delay, anger at drivers who are inexperienced in driving on ice, regret that I didn’t stay home when I saw the road conditions, impatience with Tennessee DOT and their inexperience with these road conditions. Many thoughts run through my mind as I sit in my car and wait. Yes, sit in my warm car and wait. My, the problems I experience are minimal. I’m warm, dry, well clothed and well fed. I am more than blessed.Why was I given these blessings? Why was I allowed the opportunity to be born and raised in a safe and healthy context? I have been given so many privileges. Privileges that are rare to much of the world and even to many in my own country. I don’t know why I specifically have these privileges, but I believe in the principle “to those whom much is given, much is required.” God gave me so much, not solely for my comfort, but to use for kingdom purposes. I’m to use what I have been given to help others–to live as God’s instrument.

I’m not sure the elders will receive the benefit of my wisdom today, ha! But I have little doubt that I will arrive safe and sound either there or eventually at home. Not many in this world have that confidence. I think I will choose to focus my thoughts on how blessed I truly am!

So that is where my thoughts were after one hour. This little adventure lasted for three hours. I was frustrated at times, but it really wasn’t too bad. We formed a little community—those of us stuck on the interstate together. My car was next to the concrete divider and I talked with those in the northbound lane who were also there for three hours. When I got out to stretch my legs, I talked with a few around me. When others walked by my car, they stopped and chatted with me. We all survived and the whole experience is now a good story to use for shock value (“three hours!!”).

Sometimes thoughts come unbidden. There is nothing wrong with the initial thought. If it is a thought leading me away from who God wants me to be, I have a choice. I choose whether I will feed the thought or let it go–whether I will turn toward it or away from it. Take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. Help me remember, God. I offer my thoughts to you.

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