2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Romans 12:1-2; Titus 3:3-7; John 10:10
What are you thinking about right now? What story are you telling yourself about yourself, your situation, and your life? The field of Neuroscience is growing considerably. Recent research shows that what we give our conscious attention to changes our brain.Compare that thought with what we read in Scripture today, “. . . be transformed by the renewing of your mind”, “. . . take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.” (Rom, 2 Cor) To live in freedom is to not be held captive by thought patterns that are harmful, hurtful, and destructive. In fact, Psychology shows that patterns of thoughts stir emotions which direct behaviors and certain patterns of hopelessness and negativity rob us of joy and hope. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (NIV)Yet how do we practically take our thoughts captive? First, we invite the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and minds, to reveal faulty thinking and patterns. We give Him access to our past pain, wounds, and trauma. We honestly answer the question; what story am I telling myself? Secondly, we take that thought, as if to capture it and we replace it with a truth from God’s Word. Third, we repeat that truth as often as the lie resurfaces until the truth becomes the prominent thought. (Resource recommendation: “Winning the War in Your Mind” by Craig Groeschel)Paul exhorts us in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (NIV) The pattern of our world today includes high levels of anger and division along ethnic, racial, political, and socio-economic lines. To live in freedom, to be transformed will require a supernatural, Holy Spirit driven renewal of our minds. The challenge before us is to uncover and uproot what lies beneath the patterns and habits that keep us from this abundant life Jesus has promised.
In what ways is the Holy Spirit speaking to You from God’s Word? How can you apply this to your life? Take some time to journal your thoughts.
Prayer Holy Spirit, search my heart and mind today. Help me to uncover and uproot patterns of sin and faulty thinking. Help me to live in full freedom the abundant life Jesus offers.