Isn’t it interesting how current events can give us a whole new perspective on words? Words that were not a part of our regular thought processes or vocabulary suddenly grab our attention when we hear them. The word containment is a good example. If you have been following the situation at the damaged nuclear power plant in Japan, you have probably heard the word containment used often. The main mission of the emergency crews on site is the containment of the radioactive gases which could seriously impact a large area around the plant. As one expert put it, “containment is critical”. But the need for the containment of that which is potentially hazardous is not a new concept. In the spiritual realm this has always been the case. In fact, we can go one step further and say that control needs to precede containment. In Paul’s second letter to the Christians in Corinth, Paul wrote about “bringing every thought into captivity unto the obedience of Christ” (10:5). The word captivity means “to gain complete control over” (Louw & Nida, 37.29). Complete control over the situation is the goal at Fukushima. Like-wise, we need to have complete control of our thoughts lest some potentially harmful ones escape from our personal containment “vault” and do irreparable damage. Jesus named some horrific acts that result from a failure to control toxic thoughts and let them escape containment. He said, “For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, eagerness for lustful pleasure, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you and make you unacceptable to God.” Mark 7:21-23 You don’t have to be a nuclear physicist to understand the need for containment. Neither must one be a Biblical scholar to grasp the importance of controlling our thoughts. Begin by filling your heart with the pure word of God. His undefiled word is the perfect antidote for Satan’s deadly toxins. God enables us to control and contain our thoughts so that we can live “unto the obedience of Christ”. Let’s do it! |
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