Take Every Thought Captive: Sometimes it is best to rather keep quiet. If you must speak though, speak the gospel
I am always amazed by the stupid things people, even Christians, post online. Of course, since there is no law that makes it compulsory to use a real name to trace the actual person, they can post, run away, and hide. The world we live in makes it clear that you have the right to say what you want, wherever you want, and that expressing your thoughts are “a basic human right”. I see it this way: Rather keep quiet and let people wonder about your stupidity, than open your mouth (or post it online) and everybody hears the truth.
What does the Word teach us about plastering our subjective thoughts all over the place?
3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. – 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
It would be best to study the entire chapter so that you can read the quoted part in context with the rest but let us for now focus on what Paul says here. You may remember that last week we discussed that we should have the mind of Christ and follow His example of dealing with one another. In a way this week’s discussion is a continuation. Paul says that while we as believers live in a body of flesh, it does not mean that we should do things the way the rest of the world does. We may live in a body of flesh, but the weapons we have at our disposal to fight off attacks (Ephesians 6:10-18) are spiritual. We are a spiritual being in an earthly body.
We are to cast down (deal with) any ideas that go against the holiness of God. More than this, we should bring into captivity (capture) every thought that comes up in our minds and make it obedient to the mind of Christ. When we can deal with our thoughts, by renouncing negative thoughts and turning general thoughts so that they are Christ-minded, then we are moving forwards in our spiritual walk. The aim is to rid us of all disobedience and live obedient, Christ-centred lives. When we do not deal with our thoughts, we are carnal.
I like how Paul states that we should capture our thoughts. If often pray that the Holy Spirit will take the reins of my thoughts, just as we would take the reins of a horse, and steer them where He wants them to go. The mind is a battlefield, and James explains this beautifully:
12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. – James 1:12-15
When your mind starts playing games with you, you give in to the temptations of the world, and you entertain thoughts that are not Christ-minded, these thoughts are often verbalised or otherwise made public (such as on a forum or social media account). Once there, they are there permanently. The careless comments you posted may haunt you (brings forth death, even if it is “just” spiritual) for a long time. If you thought that it is possible to permanently remove a post by deleting it, forget it. Once it has been published, it is the property of whoever owns the forum. Worse, it can surface when and where you least expect it.
Of course, we can easily say that forums are filled only with garbage spewed out by the world. We could be proven to be very wrong here. Christians, the ones who are supposed to set the example, sometimes do and say the most irresponsible things. I often see how a thread in a discussion forum quickly moves away from the original issue and turns into an all-out attack on anybody that dares to have a different opinion. You see, a worldly mentality is to say: “It is my right to say what I want, even if it hurts you, but you do not have the right to retaliate because then you are violating my human right to free expression.”
What would Jesus’ response to this be in our time? He would not be bothered by online arguments. Instead, He would be active in society by taking care of the needs of the poor, instead of pushing them to the fringes of society as we often do. He would teach the Word in small groups, move about in society, and have a definite impact on people’s lives. As He is the light of the world, His presence would be felt. He would give us the following advice:
3Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. 4Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties. – Psalm 141:3-4
If this does not get us, He will use the words that He spoke to His disciples:
45A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. – Luke 6:45
Indeed, what the heart is full of, the mouth speaks. Why is it that it is only the negative things we speak? Why do we not rather speak of how His Spirit works in us every day to do what is right? We tend to think that all is lost, and that people are not being saved anymore. Are we all just waiting for the big event to take place when we are removed, and God’s judgement is poured out on the remaining world? This is a very selfish attitude to have. What were His last words before His ascension?
19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. – Matthew 28:19-20
People can, must, and will still be saved, right up to the end. We must teach the gospel, baptise people based on the command of the gospel, and spread the gospel of salvation.
Conclusion
Spreading the Good News is not an option, it is an order. If you must speak, speak Jesus; if you must act, act the way He would, by taking care of people. Whatever you do, ask the Holy Spirit to guard your thoughts and when you do speak, choose your words wisely.