Capture Every Thought

“We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”—2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB

Born in Switzerland in 1712, Jean-Jacques Rousseau embraced a lifestyle that challenged the norms of society. Writing his confessions, Rousseau exposed his “inmost self” with unprecedented honesty.

Rousseau believed that God would welcome his honesty. When he faced God on the Day of Judgment, he would take his confessions and “say boldly: ‘This is what I have done, what I have thought, what I was.’” He wondered if others would be so bold or honest.

Some applauded Rousseau’s honesty. But, over time, it became clear he was celebrating his flawed human nature and charting a path that led away from God. He flaunted himself and his will, placing himself and his own subjective experiences above God.

Today, the world honors many who celebrate independence, reject the truths of the Bible, and live for themselves. Many of these people feel that it is dishonest to submit to God. But the Bible urges us to realize why, like Paul, we need to destroy “arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God” and take “every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”

The Bible promises that God wants us to have overwhelming victory and receive abundant blessings. But these riches come to those who surrender their lives completely to Him. Remember, true freedom comes when you take every thought “captive to the obedience of Christ” and put everything else aside to serve Him.

Reflection Question: Have you taken every thought captive to the will of Christ?