Fear Less: Devotions for Courageous FaithShembull

This Will Change Your Life

A life-changing Biblical concept is learning to take your thoughts captive to obey Christ, based on 2 Corinthians 10:5. For much of my life, I didn’t understand that I could change my thoughts. I figured my thoughts were just my thoughts. I went about living my life dealing with whatever came into my head.

Yet, this verse is clear that part of your work of spiritual maturity is to change your thoughts. Think of it like this. Your thoughts are like a room full of unsupervised two-year-olds. Sure, it’s fun for a while, but soon enough someone is going to get hurt. Left unattended, your thoughts run you into all types of crazy places.

Here’s a three-step process to take your thoughts captive to obey Christ.

1. Recognize your thoughts.
2. Question your thoughts.
3. Use Scripture to guide your thoughts into the Truth.

First, recognize your thoughts. You might go through life simply thinking things or saying phrases to yourself without question. Where does your thought life take you? Start to pay attention.

Second, question if your thoughts are true. Just because you think it, doesn’t make it true.

Third, change your thoughts based on the truth of God’s Word. Consider if your thoughts line up with what God’s Word says is true. If not, the next time you think this same thought, challenge yourself to believe what is true instead.

Reflection Question 

In what areas of life do you need to take your thoughts captive to obey Christ?

We adapted this plan from the book Fear Less: 30 Devotions for Courageous Faith  by Sara Borgstede.

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