CAST DOWN IMAGINATIONS

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting 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;

I am continually amazed at the intricate nature of the human body. The scripture states in Psalms 139:14, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Our body was not created haphazardly; it was designed with a purpose. Who, but God could have determined that some of our physical actions would be tools that believers could use to defeat the enemy. Paul in1Corinthians 1:27-28 states, “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty,” and another scripture reveals that God’s thoughts and ways are different than man (Isaiah 55:8). Rather than try to understand why He chooses to do things in an unorthodox manner, by faith, we need to accept His Word and simply follow His plan.

I have learned in His creation of man God created our bodies to function in two realms. The use of our body parts and organs in the earthly realm helps us to function and survive, and the use of those same body parts and organs in the spiritual realm helps us in our warfare. The main organ that we need to use is the brain which contains our mind (the area where we hold our thoughts, feelings, and desires.) I’ve found I need not be high-minded, or intellectual, or lazy but humble myself to God’s will and prescribed plan of action. My mind seeks to lead me astray, and the use of worldly formulas becomes inviting. For example: If I was engaged in an altercation with another person and I wanted to be carnal I could: fight, cuss, or utilize some type of loaded weapon against them. If I wanted to adhere to the scriptures that inform me that though I walk in the flesh, I do not war after the flesh, then I would use the weapons in my spiritual arsenal. These weapons are of another caliber and go beyond my human analyses. When I finished my carnal fight, I am sure I would be somewhere praying to God about what to do because the outcome from that fight left me spiritually depleted. So, my best course of action should be to cast down in my mind everything that does not align itself with God’s Word and searching the Word find out how He would have me proceed.

Finally, commentaries state, “bringing into captivity” means “to make a prisoner of;” therefore, I am instructed not to permit any ungodly thought, feeling or desire to reign in me but to enslave them and allow God’s Word to reign supreme. Following this instruction will lead to my ultimate victory, and I am striving to be victorious. How about you?