“I want to be clear. Taking our thoughts captive is not a quick fix or a onetime thing; it’s an ongoing process, a lifetime battle. But what’s amazing is that the more we do it, the easier it becomes. . . . You are reshaping your brains. The more you practice capturing your thoughts, the more your brain will create pathways that will make it easier to capture thoughts in the future.”- Kyle Idleman
As Kyle Idleman moves on in Chapter 9 of Every Thought Captive, he presents five practical ways to become thought-capturing warriors.
1. Reconnaissance. Special ops forces need to know the lay of the land before they can capture their target. To be aware of their surroundings. In like manner, we need to gain awareness of our thought patterns.
So, the first step in taking our thoughts captive involves taking notice of them. Not to judge them or try to change them just yet. Rather, we simply need to become aware of them.
2. Identify the target. Special op agents never try to capture everyone in enemy territory. Because that’s overwhelming and ineffective. Instead, they focus on a specific target.
In the same way, we need not take all thoughts captive in the same moment. So, we must learn to recognize the thoughts that oppose God’s truth.
3. The stealth approach. Most significantly, Kyle notes, here’s where many of us go wrong. Because our first instinct involves taking our negative thought head on. Thus, we tell ourselves to stop thinking that. However, when we try not to think about something, what happens? We wind up thinking about it more!
Therefore, we need to employ the stealth approach. Pause to observe. Learn to notice the anxious thought and sneak up on it by asking questions.
4. Precision capture. The real action happens here. Special ops forces use precision, strategy, and the right tools. For us, our tools consist of Scripture, prayer, truth, and counsel from a trusted friend.
5. Secure and redirect. Once their targets are captured, special ops agents secure them and lead them away. And after we capture a thought, we need to transform it as we align it with God’s truth.
Today’s question: What Bible verses do you find most helpful in reshaping your brain? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The battle of the mind”