“Your first and highest call is to stand vigil over your mind. Discipleship, at its core, is Christlike thinking. . . . Rather than ask what Jesus would do, let’s ask WWJT. What would Jesus think? Actions are the offspring of thoughts. Behavior follows belief. So, if we want to improve our behavior, let’s go upriver and monitor our mindset.”- Max Lucado
As Max Lucado moves on in Chapter 2 of Tame Your Thoughts, he takes a close look at 2 Corinthians 10:4-5. First, Max notes, the Greek word for stronghold has a dual meaning. The word refers to:
- prison. Thus, this meaning carries with it the image of a citadel — tall gates and thick walls. As a result, you can’t get out or move forward. You find yourself stuck incarcerated in a towering jail. Held hostage.
- fortress. One constructs a fortress with high, impregnable thick walls. Walls that defy easy access. No one can enter. Above all, a person who resists assistance refuses to listen top advice or learn from their mistakes. Hence, they refuse counsel, finding themselves stuck in a stronghold.
So, Max summarizes, while a prison keeps people in, a fortress keeps people out. Hence, strongholds (aka managed thoughts) do both. Therefore, Max continues:
“Our enemy is the unsolicited, unhealthy, and unwelcome idea. Rather than indulge such thoughts, we take a wrecking ball to them. . . .
The literal meaning of the phrase [take every thought captive] is to ‘take one captive with a spear pointed into [the] back.’ We poke a spear against the spine of toxic thoughts, march them outside, and toss them on their derrieres. We take seriously the high and holy honor of thought management.”
Because Satan uses a simple strategy. To poison your thinking with doubts, deceit, and discouragement. For when Satan masters you mind, he masters your life. So, tell Satan to get lost!
Today’s question: Do you agree with Max that discipleship, at its core, is Christlike thinking? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The air traffic controller – you”