July 8, 2026
Take Every Thought Captive
Life can ignite emotions. We should be aware of our reactions but never give them the level of importance we reserve for Jesus. His life teaches us how to control emotions. These kinds of feelings (Jealousy, anger, superiority, lust, selfishness and so many more), are ego driven and have nothing in common with loving others as we love ourselves. Catering to our emotions separates us from others.
Maturity in Christ is a process. When we learn to control feelings and we combine that with age, education and specialized training, we can follow our talent straight into God’s call on our lives. If God gives us unique aptitude, say with voice or an instrument, with writing or art, with preaching, leading or any other amazing gift, and we never train for that work, develop a passion for it or even consider that is our reason for being here, we are wasting a great opportunity to serve God.
In addition to mastering the skill of taking every thought captive, we need to practice communication with God, hearing His voice, and finding joy in obedience. Self-control and obedience train us to sense the coming end to a season. College. That’s one that usually pushes us into full adulthood. Jobs. Marriage and parenthood. Relationships change with responsibility. Emotional stability is much more important for a parent than a child.
Working in churches or the mission field will absolutely test maturity. We have to stay attuned to God’s will and His call. Following His plan for our lives is not about us, our egos or notoriety. It is about organized growth and order in the Kingdom of God. Operating in God’s will is a perfect place to observe God’s blessings poured out on His plans. Walk with Him now. Hear His wisdom and understand the joy of sacrificing our needs for His call.
We are God’s children. ABBA’s house is our true home. Many in the world hope we are wrong, that we are deceived and our hope of eternity is foolish. There is safety in staying hooked up to fellow Christians and righteous friends. Conversations tend to be focused on Jesus or on doing things to help others. The enemy tries to lure us into the world, into those behaviors that tend to move us far from God and far from our destiny. It’s a waste of time to hang around people who have no idea who God is.
Staying focused on our missions, our call, the very things that lead to our destiny, that’s the goal. When troubles seem to stay so long, there is a temptation to lose heart and give up. That is the moment when, if we stand and fight, spiritual growth can leap.
Dear God, I need to let go of all those things the world calls important. Stuff is just stuff. Many times, I have longed for something because people said it was wonderful, shiny and fulfilling. I have prayed for things, sacrificed for things, perhaps even purchased things I could not afford in order to impress others. Never, Lord, did those things fulfill their promises, never did they add value or joy to my life. Help me, Father, to rely on Your promises.
“…to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. Ephesians 1:10