We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5, New International Version)
Theme: The Wisdom of Discipline
Title: Discipline and Deliberation
Reflection:
The saying goes that the “pen is mightier than the sword,” but it has often felt to me that the “thought is more powerful than the pen.” Thoughts are the impetus for our words and actions, whether you explicitly acknowledge them or not.
As an educator who teaches an anatomy course, I impress on my students that the brain (though comprised of nervous tissue) functions like a muscle. It has “muscle memory”! Your thoughts actively train your brain to make new connections that solidify as you age. This concept is known as “neuroplasticity.” Your brain literally rewires itself to become more efficient depending on what you are thinking/doing. A mind that practices restfulness becomes more adept at resting. A mind that regularly ruminates in anxiety is quick to become anxious in future instances.
It is imperative as believers that we are disciplined about how we are wiring our brains. In our Scripture passage today, while addressing those who are questioning his authority to criticize the church of Corinth, Paul is referencing a similar idea of neuroplasticity – but one of the spirit (spiritual-plasticity?). Paul asserts that there is a war being waged, one that can only be fought by training your mind. Paul was given the gifts from Christ to prepare the church of Corinth to strengthen their hearts and minds. He states that every thought must be willed into submission, so that it becomes second-nature to submit in obedience to Christ.
Conclusion:
As an “anxious thinker,” I have to be very intentional about taking my thoughts captive. Some exercises I practice are short meditation, finding Scripture that directly combats “lies” that I tell myself, and using worship music to fill my thoughts when I can’t find the words to do so myself.
What are some techniques you utilize to hold your thoughts captive? What are some “brain-wirings” you would like to work on “re-wiring”? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Contributor: Natalie Christie-Savath