“…and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)
We are so reactive. Our egos so easily bruised. Our defenses so readily engaged. It’s the way of the world, our pride runs deep. But WE are to be set apart—WE should be different—lights.
I’ve felt convicted of late, about the words I use and the freedom I use them with. I can’t just say whatever I want; even if I feel justified, even if I am furious, or hurt, even when I’ve been wronged. I can’t let words pass from my brain to my mouth freely and without the filter of Christ. I can’t seek revenge, give someone what they deserve, even when they hurt me or slander me. I can’t point out the speck in someone else’s eye while ignoring the plank in my own. I can’t throw stones, even when I want to, even when everything within me is screaming to do so. I can’t trust my flesh, or my thoughts, or my motives. I can’t compare myself to another person. I can’t consider myself better than another. Christ is our example, He is the standard.
We are commanded to take EVERY thought captive. It’s hard; a direct assault on our sin nature and it’s only by the power of the Holy Spirit living within us that we can accomplish this.
The fruit’s of the Spirit…Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Is that what flows from us? In our words? Even with those closest to us? God is looking for men and women who seeking holiness are willing to be set apart for His purposes. When the eyes of God search the earth will He see us, or will we be camouflaged in the self righteous, self seeking, pride of the world. Will we be like lights set atop a hill or dim intermittent flickers? We must stand firm, we must seek to be set apart, like white on black, lights in the dark, reflecting the character of Christ to a lost and dying world. Time is short.
Kimberly Murray 