‍…we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV

When I was three, I did what my mom said because she was looking. Sometimes she would call from the other room, “What are you doing Paris?” and I would answer, “Nothing.” That was her first clue she better come double quick to see what I was up to.

When I was six I did what the teacher said because she was looking. Sometimes, when I was all done with my work and the teacher was busy, I thought a good chat with the girl next to me would be okay. Back in those days I got the back of my hand smacked with a ruler and a note sent home stating, “Paris talks too much.”

When I was sixteen, I definitely did what I wanted, especially when no one was looking. Be home by midnight, so I sped twenty over the limit to make the curfew – almost. A ticket or restriction sometimes followed my ‘obedience.’

Rebellion is a funny thing. It starts with a thought and ends with groan. In the Old Testament, in the beginning Cain thought evil and acted on it. In the New Testament, Ananias and Sapphira thought they could hide a little of the gain and paid for it. They all thought no one was looking.

Today the basketball player thinks he can rough up his wife and loses his career. The lonely businessman thinks he can find company and loses his family. The college student thinks she can plagiarize and loses her good grade. Someone is always looking.

While we are not perfect and will always be a work in progress, let’s consider God’s desire:

“We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him.” 1 John 2:3-5 NIV

Join me in being a captive for Christ:

- ask God when our thoughts would lead us away, that He would enable us to take those thoughts captive to Him

- remember Someone is always looking, seek His Word instead

- instead of walking into rebellion, ask that He lead us into His heart of love

Father, we are so thankful that You are patient with us. You long to answer our call and to mold us into the likeness of Your Son. Help us in our time of weakness to recognize our thoughts often want to lead us anywhere but to You. Instead, Lord, take our thoughts captive for us and lead us straight to Your heart. You are always looking. Father, let us look to You and find our freedom to be obedient. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.