Take control over your mind
2 Corinthians 10:3-6(AMP) For though we walk in the flesh [as mortal men], we are not carrying on our [spiritual] warfare according to the flesh and using the weapons of man. The weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood]. Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ, being ready to punish every act of disobedience, when your own obedience [as a church] is complete.Paul makes a profound statement: ‘Although we walk in the flesh we are not fighting in the flesh, but our weapons are divinely powerful to destroy strongholds.’ This battle is a battle that is fought in our minds. The way to overcome strongholds is to take control over our minds, through the knowledge of God. By knowing who God is and what He can do, we walk in His power, allowing our thinking process to be controlled by the Spirit of God.To overcome these strongholds, Paul encourages us to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. This involves aligning our thinking with the truth of God’s Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and transform our minds. It requires actively renewing our minds through the knowledge of God and adopting His perspective and values.How do we take every thought captive?- Align our thinking with God’s truth: Romans 12:2(NIV) Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Philippians 4:8(NIV) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.- Allow the Holy Spirit to guide and transform our minds: John 14:26(NIV) But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.2 Corinthians 3:18(NIV) And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. – Renew our minds through the knowledge of God: Romans 12:2(ESV) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.- Adopt God’s perspective and values: Philippians 2:5(NKJV) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, Colossians 3:2(NIV) Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.Priscilla Shirer once said: “The battle for our thoughts is a real one, and we must be diligent in guarding our minds against anything that opposes God’s truth.”I conclude with: “The battlefield is in your mind. The enemy seeks to control your thoughts, because if he can control your thoughts, he can control your life.” -Charles StanleyToday, align our thinking with God’s truth.