Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil’s trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands.
~ 2 Timothy 2:25 & 26 The Message Bible
There are several definitions for the word captive. In general, it means a person or animal that is forcibly confined or restrained, especially somebody held prisoner. What’s interesting is that it also means somebody gripped by a strong emotion such as love or anger.
How many times have we allowed ourselves to get involved in discussions and conversations the Scripture above warns us about? Those types of conversations are not only draining, they’re designed by the enemy to steal, kill and destroy. Sent to steal your joy, kill your patience, and destroy your relationships. Captive. You are now caught in the enemy’s trap. An enemy, who desires to devour you.
Satan is a ruthless captor. It’s easy for us to visualize captives being taken by force, but that’s not always the case. Most times, because of our emotions, we open the door wide and let the captor—Satan, with keys and chains in hand—right into the rhythm of our lives.
But it doesn’t have to stay that way.
We can take those emotions of bitterness, anger, frustration, resentment, and unforgiveness to the LORD. He promised, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV).
That means we no longer have to stay under the thumb of the enemy. Or partake in his war, succumb to his power, or remain in his chains.
No longer a prisoner.
Let go. And let the God of Creation, the Ancient of Days, and the Prince of Peace usher you into freedom.
Break the chains. Kick off the shackles. Choose freedom. Because whom the Son sets free is free indeed.
© Kara R. Hunt 2020
2 responses to “Take A Moment Mondays”
Nice thought. I recently engaged in a discussion with a fellow believer who disagreed with a theological point I made in a Goodreads update. I rushed to defend my position and he responded by providing more reasons why I was wrong. I wanted to defend my position again and realized, what’s the point? Why am I debating a fellow believer? Aren’t we on the same team? So as hard as it was, I disengaged from the debate. It does very little to advance the Kingdom.
Also those who disagree and react strongly against sound doctrine is not a bad thing. It means that whatever we said has made them think about it strongly enough for them to react. Which is a good sign that we’ve done our job. Let God do the rest. Disengaging from that conversation was smart. Thank for sharing your experience, Chip Tudor!