Four Steps to Take Your Thoughts Captive

(So your thoughts don't take you captive)

“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 10:5

Every day, about 50,000 thoughts pass through our minds. Most pass by unnoticed, but they all affect our worldviews and choices.

Everything we do starts as a thought. We can choose to guide our thoughts instead of letting our thoughts control us.

Today, I’ll walk you through a four-step process for taking your thoughts captive:

1. Awareness

As Kyle Idleman says in Every Thought Captive, “The first step in taking those thoughts captive is simply to notice them—not to judge them or try to change them yet, but just to become aware of them.” It’s a choice to pay attention to your thoughts instead of engaging with them.

One way to notice your thoughts is to make them concrete. You can write them down or say them aloud as they show up.

2. Attention

“Your mind is like a garden, and your thoughts are the seeds. What you choose to plant through your daily exposures will determine what grows. Every image you see, every word you hear, every interaction you have is planting something. The question is, are you cultivating weeds of negativity, fear, and doubt, or are you nurturing seeds of faith, hope, and love?” - Kyle Idleman

Your thoughts are influenced by your inputs (the things you pay attention to). What gets most of your attention? Do you start your day reading Scripture or scrolling through social media posts? Are you listening to pop radio or worship music?

That’s not to judge, but just to point out that our thoughts are influenced by what engages our attention. We’ll have different thoughts if we spend our evenings reading C.S. Lewis instead of watching the latest Netflix show.

3. Alignment

Now that you’re noticing your thoughts and recognizing what fuels them, it’s time for a change. With every thought you notice, just ask yourself, ‘Is this aligned with the truth of God or the lies of the world?’.

You can ask that about anything. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, reading a book, or listening to music, that’s a good question to determine whether it’s worth your time.

We can find out what’s aligned with God by studying the truths He gave us in Scripture. Those truths quickly demolish any negative thoughts about ourselves.

Here are some examples of a negative thought going up against the truth of God’s word:

• Thought: “I can’t do it.” Truth: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13

• Thought: “I’m on the wrong path.” Truth: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” - Romans 8:28

• Thought: “I’m not good enough.” Truth: "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well." - Psalm 139:14

• Thought: “It’s not going to work out.” Truth: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7

• Thought: “I’ve done too many things wrong.” Truth: "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." - Romans 8:1

• Thought: “Life is too hard.” Truth: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28

• Thought: “It’s not possible for me.” Truth: "But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.'” - Mark 10:27

4. (Say It) Aloud

“Instead of allowing the power of words to work against us, we’re going to take advantage of their power by speaking God’s truths over our lives every morning.” - Kyle Idleman

Finally, we’ll speak truth over ourselves and others. Saying the truth aloud is more powerful than thinking it. What you say about yourself (and others) matters:

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” - Proverbs 18:21

Instead of choosing to ‘think positively’, just speak the truth from God’s word regularly. If you’re thinking negatively about a problem or situation in your life, speak about how God is using it for good.

It’s Up to You

Choose one of the above examples (or create your own) of a Biblical truth that can counter a negative thought. Notice when the thought arises in your mind, and practice saying a verse that conquers the lie.

Changing your thought patterns is a gradual process, and the most important step is the first one.

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