For 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, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Filters. There are filters every place we look in our lives. Can you name some? In the coffee machine, in the car, in the washing machine, dryer, and even in our body. Filters help coffee taste better, machines run better and the body we live in remain uncontaminated. God’s word speaks about filters for the mind. What is a filter on the mind?
“Take every thought captive to obey Christ” suggests a filter. To take captive means to trap, seize, control, secure, and conquer. To stop those ungodly thoughts Paul tells the Corinthian believers, and us, that we must destroy arguments and opinions raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive. Corinth’s multi-cultural multi-god environment was a threat to their faith in Christ and obedience to him. We could say our culture today threatens us the same way. Our mind makes us unique among God’s creations. And our God has not left us and our minds defenseless.
Filtering the input that comes into our lives and into our minds is imperative. The more we think with the mind of Christ and extend his grace toward others, the more we are transformed. When we take time for godly input, to study God, his works, memorize, meditate on his words and walk in his ways, we build stronger filters. Don’t let worries, worldly thoughts, and emotions enslave you. Process them with your “Jesus filter.” Take them captive. Here are a few scriptures you can use to filter some thoughts through today. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you. Write more personalized ones if you like and make your filter stronger.
I have been accepted by Christ. Romans 15:7
My old self was crucified with Christ, and I am no longer a slave to sin. Romans 6:6
I will not be condemned by God. Romans 8:1
My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who dwells in me. 1 Corinthians 6:19
I am a new creature in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17
I have become the righteousness of God in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21
I have been set free in Christ. Galatians 5:1
I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Ephesians 1:3
I am chosen, holy, and blameless before God. Ephesians 1:4
I have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise Ephesians 1:13
I am God’s workmanship created to produce good works. Ephesians 2:10
The peace of God guards my heart and mind. Philippians 4:7
God supplies all my needs. Philippians 4:19
I have been made complete in Christ. Colossians 2:10
I have been chosen of God, and I am holy and beloved. Colossians 3:12
Excerpts from list by Dr. Kenneth Boa, president of Trinity House Publishers
By Donna Burns
