Read: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
“For although we are walking in the flesh, we do not wage war in a fleshly way, since the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”
Understand:
- What can the weapons of our warfare be used to do?
- What should we demolish?
- What should we be taking captive?
Listen:
Merriam Webster online dictionary defines high-minded as “marked by elevated principles and feelings.” At first glance, this might seem like it is a good thing. If we have elevated principles then, perhaps, we are striving to live in a moral way that is beneficial to all people. But, let’s not forget the second part of this definition: elevated . . . feelings. There is an entire lesson we could dive into about how feelings come about in our bodies but let’s shorten it just a bit.
There are three main parts to our brain: the prefrontal cortex, the limbic system, and the brain stem. Each of these parts is responsible for certain things. The prefrontal cortex is for thinking and is our rational brain. The limbic system is for feeling and is our emotional brain, and the brain stem is our survival brain. Any type of stimulus or sensory input that enters our brain goes to the thalamus first then into the hippocampus which is learning and memory and the prefrontal cortex which helps with decision making. From the hippocampus, this information goes to the amygdala then on to the hypothalamus. So, it’s kind of like a journey for every piece of information that enters our brains. The emotional interpretation in the amygdala is what sends information to the hypothalamus which causes it to react and release certain hormones. For example, if you are walking down a dark alley at night, you taking in your surroundings and sending information to the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. If you are afraid or just don’t know what might happen, your amygdala senses danger and sends this to the hypothalamus which releases cortisol and adrenaline. These are your fight or flight hormones that are for survival. Here’s the problem. When your body kicks into fight or flight mode because of the release of these hormones, your hippocampus and prefrontal cortex shut down which means your ability to learn and make decisions is seriously impaired. Your body is in survival mode and doesn’t care about anything but making it through this moment. These are your feelings in full capacity and working order. Your interpretation of things is crucial to everything in your life.
Now, for just a moment, think about why scripture tells us that it is important to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Think about what your brain is going to do with the information that is entering it. Yes, it has the same journey as everyone else’s brain; however, it is how you interpret it that matters. This is why some people might be afraid of, say, spiders, and some people aren’t. What is your brain going to do with the information that you are allowing to enter it? Keeping your thoughts under control takes discipline because it’s hard work but there is a really good reason to practice doing it. In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, it says we are supposed to demolish . . . every high-minded thing. This is so those elevated feelings, as Merriam Webster defines, are not permitted to control us. This is not an easy practice but consider the peace that comes from controlling those thoughts that seek only to destroy you.
There is a great book written by Jennie Allen called “Get Out of Your Head.” Put this on your ‘Must Read’ list because she helps develop an understanding of this concept but, more importantly, she walks you through steps to learn how to conquer your thoughts and take them captive for the glory of Christ.
Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Your word and for giving us direction on how to claim the peace You have for us. Give us discernment and help us remember that we have the Holy Spirit inside of us and that you have given us power through Him to guide our lives. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Majacka Literary Creations 