Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but divinely powerful for the destructions of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, NASB)
It seems to me that there is usually a favorite club in a player’s bag that is always reliable. Something you can trust to deliver the results every time you swing with it, and you can swing without inhibition.
Jack Nicklaus was known to put a club away and never use it during a round after one bad shot. Trust is huge in golf. Trust in your equipment, the “mechanics of your swing,” and the advice of your coach or teacher.
Think about trust as it relates to your thought life from a Christian perspective. What do you trust when battling the challenges of your thoughts—when those ideas contradict the spiritual truths and values in Scripture?
Our opening verse reminds us that although you live in your physical body, how you defend the faith is done with a spiritual weapon—The Sword of His Word. This is not our home, but while we are here, we need to battle in a way that honors Jesus.
Have you been thrown off track by ideas and conversations that challenge your beliefs? You are not alone. Paul’s exhortation reminds us that we are trained and ready for spiritual battle. Trust in the Word and what you have been given through Christ.
“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him, you have been made complete, and He is head over all rule and authority” (Colossians 2:8-10).
In addition, we must remember that these deceptions cannot win when we proclaim Jesus as Lord and understand where the battle is taking place.
Paul writes, “Put on the full armor of God so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:11-13)
Are you troubled by the culture today? Do you feel hopeless that changes cannot be made because the battle is overwhelming? Do you see ideas and philosophies alien to the truths of scripture taking root in our society, trying to steal your courage?
With the Holy Spirit, all things are possible in Christ. We do not battle in the same way as the world. To be like Jesus, we are called to forgive, love our enemies, put others ahead of ourselves, and be humble when the opposite seems easy.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the Word.