Mind Games: The Sinful Nature of Mind Control
Movement Live Notes
Friends, what thought are you thinking that is destructive? Take some time to consider this. No matter what the thought is or how many there are, scripture tells us that we have to take captive every destructive thought. There may be many of us that don't know if our thoughts have been destructive. Let me ask this: Have our thoughts constructed anything? Are they productive? If they are not producing, then they are destructive. We must be intentional about taking these thoughts captive. Last week we spoke about how destructive thoughts create anxiety in our lives. However, Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
There is a spiritual practice that will help us all as we process "Mind Games." We have spoken about creating space where we can hear from God; however, often, there are those who experience what is called "monkey brain" during our time in the space we have created. This means that we have trouble focusing our thoughts which jump all over the place. Ultimately, this turns the space we have developed into wasted time or time spent in worry. Try beginning moments of silence in segments. Start with three minutes. Within those three minutes, identify the foremost thought that needs to be taken captive. Repeat this word or phrase every time you find your thoughts moving away from silence. This helps to focus you on the purpose at hand. Next, ask and then wait to hear from God. As you continue this practice, you will want to gradually increase the moments of silence you have. Begin with 3 minutes, then 5, then 7, and then 10 minutes. Our goal is to create a psychological, mental, physical, experiential space to hear from God and focus on Him. In this space, through His power, destructive thoughts are taken captive.
Christian meditation is all about filling our minds with truth. So, what we must do is focus on the truth, which is the word of God. We’ve said certain forms of meditation require an emptying of the mind. For believers of the Lord, Jesus Christ, we need to fill our minds with the word of God, which tells us the things we focus our minds on. Philippians 4:8-9 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is [g]lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."
Friends and family, we pray that this experience has left you all with encouragement and hope in Christ Jesus. Grace and Peace.
