The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 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 10:4-5
Growing up, watching wrestling was a staple in my house. We watched the Dallas Sportatorium’s World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) and National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). Like my young boys raised in the 80’s my I wanted to be like Von Erichs and Fabulous Freebirds. My dream was to follow in Kerry Von Erich’s footsteps and become a professional wrestler and win the Heavy weight world champion belt.
Whether they liked it or not, most of my friends were my sparring partners. The middle of the living room served as our ring. I'd twist their arm, put them in a leg hold, or lock in a submission move. It wasn't uncommon for my mom to come in during the exact moment I leaped from the couch and hit a frog splash or elbow drop on one of my poor friends. No holds were barred when we reenacted the 6 man tag matches.
I was always the champ and there was no way I would allow anyone to get the upper hand as we went to battle. But, unfortunately, when it comes to the battle taking place for my mind, I'm more of a jobber and less of a champ. I often let my thoughts wander and get hammered with regrets and struggles. I forget the enemy isn't play fighting but attempting to lay his claim as the victor. And like a typical heel, He will utilize anything in his bag of tricks to get an advantage.
Maybe this is why Paul uses such strong imagery to describe what's at stake, as well as what it will take, to come out on top. DEMOLISH. TAKE EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE. Paul says, don't act friendly, but get in the ring and flex your muscle. Unlike the professional wrestling I watched on television, results aren't scripted or planned out. The battle isn't "fake," it is very much real, and there are profound implications on our hearts and the life we get to live. We have a say in the outcome.
For the sake of our hearts, we have to come out swinging by taking every thought captive. We don't let anything get past us, but, instead, we put our claws in every thought, and if it doesn't line up with what Christ says about Himself or us, we hammer it and cause it to tap out. We show no mercy. Christ is calling us to fight, so get in the ring today. What train of thought do you need to take captive?
Prayer: Father God, today, I will fight. I will wrestle out my thoughts to ensure they don't run wild in my mind. Lord I submit to Your ways and Your leading. Help me to engage in the battle that is taking place in my heart and in my life, knowing that You are the victor and have already won this battle. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
