Self-Control in Our Thoughts: Taking Every Thought Captive

Hey, y’all!

Have you ever had a thought pop into your head that you knew wasn’t from God? Maybe it was fear, doubt, anger, or temptation—something that, if left unchecked, could easily take over your heart and lead you down the wrong path.

The truth is, self-control starts in the mind. Before we ever act on something, it begins as a thought. That’s why Scripture tells us to be intentional about what we allow to stay in our minds.

Today, let’s talk about what it means to “take every thought captive” and how we can develop self-control in our thought life.

The Power of Our Thoughts

The Bible is clear that our thoughts shape our lives.

Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) says:
"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he."

What we think about eventually determines how we live. If we let negative, sinful, or anxious thoughts run unchecked, they will shape our actions, emotions, and attitudes.

That’s why 2 Corinthians 10:5 gives us this instruction:

"We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

This means we don’t just accept every thought that enters our minds. Instead, we measure it against God’s truth. If it doesn’t line up with His Word, we reject it and replace it with something better.

Common Thought Patterns That Challenge Self-Control

What kinds of thoughts do we need to take captive? Here are a few common ones:

1. Temptation: Thoughts that make sin seem appealing (“Just this once won’t hurt.”)
2. Fear and Worry: Thoughts that focus on “what ifs” instead of God’s promises (“I’ll never be able to handle this.”)
3. Negative Self-Talk: Thoughts that attack your identity in Christ (“I’m a failure. God can’t use me.”)
4. Anger and Bitterness: Thoughts that keep past hurts alive (“I’ll never forgive them.”)
5. Comparison and Jealousy: Thoughts that make us feel less than others (“Why can’t I have their life?”)

How to Take Every Thought Captive

So how do we develop self-control in our thoughts? Here are four practical steps:

1. Identify the Thought

The first step is awareness. When a thought comes into your mind, pause and ask:

• Does this align with God’s Word?
• Would Jesus say this to me?
• Is this leading me closer to God or further from Him?

If it’s not from God, don’t let it take root.

2. Reject What’s Not from God

Just because a thought enters your mind doesn’t mean you have to accept it. You have the power to say no!

James 4:7 reminds us: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

When a thought contradicts God’s truth, reject it immediately—don’t dwell on it.

3. Replace It with Truth

Instead of just trying to stop bad thoughts, fill your mind with God’s truth.

• If you’re tempted, remind yourself that God provides a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13).
• If you’re afraid, declare that God has given you a spirit of peace (2 Timothy 1:7).
• If you feel unworthy, remind yourself that you are God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10).

4. Stay in God’s Presence

The more time we spend in prayer, worship, and Scripture, the easier it becomes to control our thoughts. Philippians 4:8 gives us a powerful filter:

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure… think about such things."

Final Thoughts

Y’all, self-control in our thoughts is essential for a strong faith. When we guard our minds, we guard our actions, our emotions, and our relationship with God.

So today, let’s commit to taking every thought captive—not through willpower, but through the truth of God’s Word.

 Stay strong, stay focused, and keep your thoughts on Him!