Every thought captive . . .
Photo by Liam Simpson on Unsplash
Last week I talked about the ‘pause that refreshes’ and felt committed to ‘pausing’ before speaking.
But of course the minute we commit to something we’re challenged, right? It wasn’t surprising then to come up against some situations and people that prickle, hurt, even stab. And I had a few choice words I’d like to have let loose. But I didn’t. Instead I paused.
I keep being surprised at how much competition, judgment, and unkindness there is in the world. None of us is perfect. We know that. But what does it take to simply be kind?
So this week I’m pondering that thought. In fact my word for the year is KINDNESS. I want to remember and apply it every day–regardless of my ego that likes to select who deserves my kindness and who does not! But then that’s what our EGOs do!
While reading Saint Paul’s letter (in the bible) to the people of Corinth (Greece) the following verse struck me like thunder.
“And we destroy every proud thing that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)
In other words, for me it means we don’t give any time or emotion to thoughts and judgments that are unhealthy, unkind, unproductive regardless of what’s coming at us. We grab hold of them for Christ, leaning only on his understanding not on our prejudices.
Then I turned to The Message (a modern version of Scripture) for further understanding:
“The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.”
WOW! Enough said. I hope these powerful words will bless and transform those pesky thoughts of yours and that you take them captive and then toss them out with today’s trash.
Let’s replace them with thoughts and actions of kindness.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12).
Karen, Thanks once again for a truly inspiring message!
Thank you, Nancy. I sure appreciate your following my blogs. I hope all is going well with you.
Thank you for these challenging yet encouraging words!
Thanks, Glenda, so much for your encouragement to me.
Dear Karen, What a great word for 2018. I really like The Message version of this passage.
Thanks, Pam. Always good to hear from you with your encouragement.
You “hit the nail on the head” again dear lady!. Oh that the whole world would read your message!!! I wonder if they still teach the little children to memorize the verse. “Be ye kind one to another” I surely remember learning it at about age 4. I guess they don’t say “ye” now but the message is the same. 🙂
Thanks again Karen for the great reminder!!
And thank you, Etta Mae. I love hearing from you that I ‘hit the nail on the head.’ 🙂
Words to live by, Karen. Thank you for this reminder of the importance of pausing, of taking our thoughts captive to Christ and allowing Him to sift, soften, eliminate those that are not honoring to Him. Well said! With my word being “wisdom” this year, I pray that God’s wisdom and purging will flesh out in kindness to others as well. Bless you!
Wisdom is such a good word for the year, Carol. Thanks for mentioning how wisdom and kindness go together.
Spot on! Well said, now….. to put this into practice!
Yes, putting this ‘word’ into practice is always the challenge. 🙂
yes, everyday, I need to be reminded to be kind, Karen. I don’t dress my age, most of the time and people are not kind!! I am shorter with a short waist, legs. I’m sure this is due to being Dutch. my grandfather could hardly see over the pulpit to preach. I’m not that short…just am short in waist, which makes me look like I am. so, women’s clothes wont fit. Junior size work better! but, the ladies are sure!!!! I am trying to look so very young. And daily, I must know the joy of the Lord is my strength! and also, Psalms 139: 1-6.
Yes, Mary. The joy of the Lord is out strength in all situations. I want to remember that daily.
SOOOO powerful, Karen. Every word I needed to hear. I want to bless others, so I will stay in kindness and take every word captive to the obedience of Christ. love, Heidi
Thank you, Heidi. Let us support one another in doing so.
Karen, do you remember the really ‘old’ saying that I have heard kids say on the playground when boys, in particular,would say bad things to each other and the ‘victim’ would say: “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” !? Well, I never did think that made sense because broken bones will heal but harse words can really hurt and are not soon forgotten. Your ‘pause’ last week and this weeks ‘kindness’ go hand in hand! I certainly need to pause and think before I speak!! Another good one, Karen!! Thanks!
Blessings, margaret
Thanks, Margaret. Yes, I remember that old saying and it never made sense to me either. Words can hurt more than a broken bone and in some situations the wound may never really heal.