Mind Matters - A
Soul Snack 8/107 ... Mind Matters - A
Her desperate feet pounded the pavement frenetically, yet her mind had outraced her feet all day.
The 'what ifs' of deadlines, those increasing complaints, the scarring barbs from a work-mate's tongue flooded her mind, snatching away each healthy thought that entered.
This can be the nature of the human mind. Uncontrolled thoughts can become too quickly an unconstrained unhelpful imperative. They can dart through the mind with unrealised speed ever gaining momentum. They can capture our minds before we ever realise that our mental heath means we should capture them first.
' ... and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.' 2 Cor 10:5b
Paul is now in 'full self -defense mode' as he chastens the church of Corinth for thinking (and speaking) ill of him. These criticisers, Paul explains are shallow and hollow. Those who would think poorly of him need to 'imprison' such thoughts.
'You are looking only on the surface of things. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he.' 2 Cor 10:7
Hollow and shallow thinking is exceptionally easy to conduct, to retain and then poison relationships.
To capture my unhealthy thoughts before they 'race on' across my mind means they are unable to capture me. My belonging is what matters. My workmates belonging to Christ too is only what matters.
Imprison your thoughts. Place a sentry over them. Build an impenetrable hedge around them. Then live, enjoying the highest freedom that this can bring!
(P.S. Is the most difficult part of this mental exercise recognising those thoughts that appear so legitimate but really need imprisoning?)