“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
Do you believe that God knows your every thought? Let me ask you that again. Do you really believe that God knows your every thought… and loves you anyway?
I used to be of the impression that if I think it, I’m guilty of it. You know… an angry thought pops into my head and I’m automatically guilty of “hating” that person. Or, I forgave someone multiple times, and then I think about the instance again in a moment of weakness and, “oh great, I really haven’t forgiven them.”
God has been working on reinforcing the truth to me instead of continuing to believe these lies. Thoughts aren’t sin. I’m going to say that again for my own benefit. Thoughts are not sin. It’s when we don’t take the thoughts captive and instead let them run away and start to do damage that they can turn into sin.
For instance, last night I was grocery shopping with two of my kids. We were having a great time and all of a sudden, something from my past that was irrelevant to what was going on in the present popped into my head. I thought, “Oh great, where did that come from? I’m sinning again. Nice.”
Then God reminded me oh so subtly of the truth. It’s not sin yet, little one. You can choose – are you going to take that thought captive, dismiss it and continue on having fun with your kids or are you going to dwell on it, talk about it, think about it… and let it ruin your night? Your choice, little one, your choice.”
That’s when I realized how far God has brought me. It’s the enemy who puts the thought in my head… I get to choose if I take his bait and run with it or if I throw it in the garbage and continue on where I left off before he tried to interrupt me.
So last night when a not-so-nice thought popped into my head, after God reminded me of my choice, I had a short but sweet conversation with Him. “Thank You, God, for reminding me it’s not a sin to think thoughts. I get to choose what to do with this thought, and since it’s not helpful and traveling that road will only make me miserable and might cause me to sin, I’m throwing it in the garbage. Thanks for the reminder. Now, I’m going to keep enjoying my time with the kids you blessed us with. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Just like that. Three minutes of my time. One minute to figure out, “Hey, I’m having a not-so-nice thought.” One minute for God to remind of the truth and ask me to choose. One minute to choose wisely and get back to having a silly conversation with my kids.
Is that something you’ve struggled with too? God’s waiting to have a conversation with you as well. Not a “You’re sinning, I’m mad at you” conversation, but a “Hey, daughter (son), you have a choice to make. Are you going to choose wisely?” conversation. And even if you don’t choose wisely all the time, God will still be there encouraging you to repent and make a better choice the next time.
Come back next time for one more thought about this…
© Cheri Swalwell 2017