Get in the Ring
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
INSIGHT
Growing up, I said my prayers (and ate my vitamins) not to get closer to God, but because I was a Hulkamaniac. Like most kids raised in the late '80s, my idol was the wrestling icon, Hulk Hogan. Much to my younger brother's chagrin, my dream growing up was to follow in Hulk's footsteps and become a professional wrestler.
Whether he liked it or not, Matt was my sparring partner. The middle of our living room served as our ring. I'd twist his arm, put him in a leg hold, or lock in a submission move. It wasn't uncommon for my mom to come down to switch over the laundry when I leaped from the couch and hit a frog splash or elbow drop on my poor brother.
No holds were barred when we reenacted WWE Superstars or Saturday Night's Main Event. There was no way I would allow Matt to get the upper hand. 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 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 and 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 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.
REFLECTION
What train of thought do you need to take captive?
What would it look like to force these thoughts to submit?
PRAYER
God, today, I will fight. I will wrestle out my thoughts to ensure they don't run wild in my mind. May I submit to Your ways and Your leading. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.