The Aftermath

 “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ….” II Corinthians 10: 5

This instruction is given to Christians. Therefore, it must be Christians as susceptible to carnal thoughts and fleshly allurements. They are vulnerable to worldly schemes by deceiving individuals.  Naivety plays a large role in the deception of Christians.

Hoodwinked people had rather stay wrong than to admit they have been so naive as to have been duped. If wrong about a matter, admit it and get on the right side of the issue. That is a sure way to demonstrate integrity.

Here is a pertinent adage, Mark Twain is reputed to have said. “It is easier to fool somebody than it is to convince them they have been fooled.”

It has been noted that we are not helpless victims or recipients of our thoughts. We can choose to stop our thoughts and bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Thoughts of lust, thoughts of anger, thoughts of fear, thoughts of greed, bitter thoughts, evil thoughts – they are part of every thought that may be and must be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

What are the steps in doing this? By being inquisitive regarding our thoughts and actions. Employ the interrogative by asking: who, whom, what, when, where, why, and sometimes how. What will be the aftermath?

Adhere to the wise counsel often employed by that great philosopher Barney Fife, “Nip it! Just nip it in the bud.” That is, stop it while logic and reason prevail and before emotions take over. Figuratively, if you are not going on the flight, stay off the plane.

Know that in every issue there are two factions, one good and one evil. To be discerning remember: “….walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other….” (Galatians 5: 16, 17)                        

There is no neutral ground. The median ground between traffic in New Orleans is called the “Neutral Ground.” Allegedly it was the ground between two warring armies, not occupied by either. In the spiritual realm there is no neutral ground.

Jesus said, “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.” (Matthew 12: 30) He also said He had rather we be hot or cold, but not sickening lukewarm, that is, lacking convictions, half-hearted, fit for nothing.

Keep in mind, every thought has a consequence. Think right to do right.

Numerous sources have been credited with saying, “You can’t keep the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building their nests in your hair. Shoo off improper thoughts before they nest in your will.