August 17

The Negative Committee

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).

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:1-5

Song: “One Sweetly Solemn Thought”

When things aren’t going the way we like, we’re tempted to paint a gloomy picture of life. Our day begins to drown in negativity. Our mind begins racing a mile a minute as we descend deeper into a pit of despair.

But here’s where we must tell the Negative Committee, which is meeting in the boardroom of our minds, to sit down, be quiet, and listen up. Then we unleash the big announcement, which goes something like this: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Negative thoughts are life sucking and energy draining. And just like various pagan teachings the apostle Paul was dealing with, all false “arguments” and “pretensions” that are at odds with the mind of Christ must be confronted and, ultimately demolished. How to do that? Don’t fight those thoughts directly; just add new, better thoughts that flow from truth: you are a beloved child of God, and you rest in His loving arms today.

Take a fast detour and live a life of praise. Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day. As such thoughts infuse your spirit, you may even choose to express a word of appreciation to a friend or neighbor. It will put a smile on that person’s face and a smile on your heart.

Father, transform my daily thoughts to conform more closely to the mind of Christ. Work in me to stand against any form of untruth in my outlook. In Christ, amen.