“It’s time to stop being held captive by our thoughts and start taking our thoughts captive. . . . Our thought pattern can make us a prisoner of pleasure. What promises comfort will become chains from which we can’t break free. Our thinking may have put us in prison, but changing our thinking can set us free.”- Kyle Idleman
Kyle Idleman concludes Chapter 7 of Every Thought Captive with the third and fourth thoughts we must take captive.
Thought #3: Pleasure is determined by my immediate circumstances. Rather than leading to pleasure, abundance often leads to entitlement, discontent, and complaining. Hence, this type of happiness depends on what’s happening to us and around us. In addition, the thoughts we think about pleasure contain a familiar refrain: I’d be happy if only . . .
As the apostle Paul wrote from a dank, dark prison cell: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. . . . I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”- Philippians 4:11, 13 (NIV)
Thought #4: I’ll have pleasure when I get what I don’t have. As a result, we usually find ourselves thinking not about what we already possess, but rather about what we desire. However, Pastor Idleman notes, the Bible teaches us to take pleasure in what we already have. Thus, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us this. We’re told not to be thankful for all circumstances. Instead, we can be thankful in all circumstances.
Therefore, Kyle exhorts, wrestle down any thoughts that entice you to find pleasure when you obtain something you lack. Rather, choose to be grateful for what you do have now.
In conclusion, Pastor Idleman encourages, follow your gratitude trails, whether these trails are big or small. Because that process transforms your outlook on life. Furthermore, it deepens your gratitude for simple pleasures. Above all, the more you follow your gratitude trail, the more you find yourself doing it.
Finally, why not start now?
Today’s question: What most helps you break the chains as a prisoner of pleasure? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “