I think most of us recognize how very essential it is to “take our thoughts captive” in obedience to Jesus, particularly thoughts of covetousness and lust; however, we must recognize that our minds are both the playground and battlefield of the enemy.  Paul taught the Corinthian church (the one that had some serious “issues” going on), “Though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.  We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

Captivity speaks of imprisonment, loss of independence and bondage—and I had an epiphany moment just a bit ago.  I always thought taking my thoughts captive meant ushering them into a cell and handing Jesus the key.  Yet the implication here is that we not only shove them inside, but we also lock the door and hold onto the key—and in doing so, we obey Jesus.

Interestingly, the reason I want to write this blog—TODAY—has nothing to do with obvious temptation; rather, my purpose touches a deeper, more subtle aspect of spiritual warfare—the assault on our faith.

Most people living in the United States right now recognize that the government is in a mess, and if everyone thought alike, nurtured the same values, and held the same beliefs—whether liberal or conservative—then we would have a perfect country. …possibly not the country as it was initially created, but it would be a pretty darn good place to live.  However, opinions vary and division is rampant.  Finger pointing, lies, manipulation, intimidation, exaggeration, as well as arrogance, seem to characterize every side of our government, the population, and the media in particular—at least from what I am seeing and hearing.  That is not my point, though.

Our country may have been established by some Christians and on some Christian principles, but this is not a Christian nation, it is a divided nation.  We are not united under God; so, for everyone who is fighting to preserve the Pledge of Allegiance as it stands, realistically, we must acknowledge that it is obsolete.  …but that is not my point, either.

My point is, what are we, as Christians, going to do with our thoughts (which often influence our words) in the midst of the war that is raging all around us?—just because we haven’t seen physical weapons does not mean we are experiencing peace, much to the contrary!  If you think that conservatives and liberals represent the “us and them” sides, you do not understand scripture, “for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

There is no way to know at this point exactly what the coming days will bring, however there is already evidence of anger (which often disguises fear), anxiety, and uncertainty over the future.  And now is the time to take all of these thoughts and fears captive.  Now is the time to pick up the divine weapons of warfare:  Truth, Righteousness, the Gospel of Peace, Faith, Salvation, Holy Spirit infilling, the Word of God, and Prayer.  Now is the time to know the Promises of God and live in the assurance of His love and faithfulness, His provision and healing, His goodness and mercy, and His presence for, while everything around us seems to fall apart, it is by Jesus that “all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.  And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16, 17).

Now is the time to know our God and be confident in the one we serve:

El Shaddai, Almighty God—

 Mighty in power and authority!

Adonai,

 My Lord and my master.

Yahweh,

You are Jehovah.

Jehovah Raah,

You, O Lord, are my shepherd, I shall not want.

Jehovah Rapha,

O God, you are my healer!

Jehovah Tsidkenu,

You are my righteousness!

Jehovah Mekoddishkem,

I worship you, Lord, for you sanctify me!

El Olam,

You are the everlasting God.

Jehovah Jireh,

You are my provider.

Jehovah Shalom,

O God, you are peace—I have no reason to fear!