Tear Them Down

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.—2 Corinthians 10:3-5

A stronghold is a place of protection against attack in a wartime situation. While most of the time, strongholds are beneficial for defending against a physical offensive attack, the application by the author implies a new application. He suggests we are the ones waging war, and the battle is not of the flesh—it's mental and spiritual. The Christian is on the offense, not the defense. The imagery implies we are destroying strongholds, but they're established by opinions raised against God in our minds, which become strongholds. I love the twist here.

Yes, we are called into an offensive battle, but the struggle is different—it's one with yourself. It's not a physical battle against other people. Rather, it's a war with the ideas, thoughts, arguments, and opinions that become strongholds against God's Truth in your mind. So be violent and tear them down.

DO THIS: Identify a thought you've blindly accepted that does not agree with God's Truth, and eradicate it. If you have trouble identify one, consider the 5-F categories: Faith, Family, Finances, Friendships, and Fitness. Then ask yourself, "What stronghold in my mind keeps me from honoring God in this area?"

PRAY THIS: God, give me the ability to recognize the strongholds. Increase my ability to perceive the battle and guide my mind as I wage war for truth in love.