. . . but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
                                                                                       — Romans 8:6 NIV

Life is like a down-escalator. Stand still and you’ll automatically be taken back down.

The up or down direction of our lives is determined by our thoughts. There are thoughts that set us up to win and there are thoughts that take us down a slippery slope. Do nothing, and the slippery slope tends to win.

Anyone who has lived longer than a minute knows that to gain and keep control of our thoughts is a continual battle. There will never be a day this side of eternity that we'll be able to relax and let thoughts go as they will. We have to hold the reigns. Always.

In Philippians 4:8-9, Paul gives us a filter through which to sift our thoughts: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received  or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (NIV).

- Is this thought true? So often, I’m anxious about something that might or might not happen. It isn’t even reality, I’m letting one unsubstantiated thought pull me down.

- Is this thought right and in agreement with the way Scripture instructs me to live? If this thought doesn't lead to loving God and others well, or leads down a path I know is wrong, it's probably a thought I need to release.

- Is this thought admirable? Are the words I’m imagining saying in retaliation admirable, or are they discouraging and accusatory, rooted in self-defense and anger. Hmmm . . .

In II Corinthians 10:5, Paul encourages us, “take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ” (NIV).

That’s a tall order: to take every thought captive to Christ. But, we've been given the Holy Spirit to help us to do what we are not able to do on our own. With His enlisted help, we can win the daily battle for our thoughts.

By sifting our thinking through the filter of God’s Word and taking every thought captive to Christ, we stand a much better chance of riding the escalator up and into a rewarding, God-honoring life.

Lord, You know that my thinking often runs amuck. Help me to apply the filters You provide from Your Word. You know what’s best and what will protect my heart and lead me to a closer walk with You. Help me to take every thought captive and to rest in the resulting peace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.