2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

One of the greatest battles you will ever face is the battle for your mind. As a Christian, you are made up of three parts; spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). The moment you receive Jesus, your spirit is born again (2 Corinthians 5:17). However, the saving of the soul is a lifelong process (James 1:21, Romans 12:1-2). Your soul is made up of your mind, will, and emotions. You will find that what you do with your mind, your thought life, will ultimately determine the direction of your life. 

Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” You will either renew your mind with the word of God and think God thoughts, or your mind will be wide open to the enemy. This is where most people lose the battle in walking with God and walking in victory. 

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:5 that we are to “bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” To bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ is to bring every thought into obedience of the Word of God. If a thought comes that contradicts the word, I cast it down. I replace this thought with what God has said to me in his word. 

This is how it works. A thought comes that says I will not make it financially. I immediately cast that thought down. I say, “My God shall supply all of my needs according to his riches and glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).” A thought comes that says my life will be cut short and I will not accomplish God’s plan for my life. I immediately cast that thought down. I say, “With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation (Psalms 91:16).” A thought comes that says I must live with this awful physical diagnosis for the rest of my life. I immediately cast that down. I say, “Himself (Jesus) took my infirmities, and bare my sicknesses (Matthew 8:17).” I say, “… by his stripes you were healed (1 Peter 2:24).” 

Do not accept every thought that comes your way! They are not all from God. When you have a thought, examine it in light of the word of God. If it doesn’t line up with the word, cast it down and say about yourself what God says! As you learn to do this, you will overcome every obstacle that the devil tries to bring in your life!