Every Thought Captive

These are wrong thoughts of mine that must be taken captive. I'm writing it here for repeated access. I don't assume that many read this, even out of the 9 people subscribed to this blog. But even if people did read it, I think it may be beneficial.

1) Longings for a "nice life". God does not call us to a nice life. He calls us to deny ourselves and take up our cross if we are to follow Him--not optional! But I have desires for a well-paying, nice and neat ministry position to start after my internship ends. How hollow! True Gospel ministry by nature is not nice and neat anyway. If it is, it's probably more of a plasticy Gospel ministry replica. I visited California this weekend, and southern California is gorgeous in case you did not know. And I thought how nice it would be to be hired out there. Selfishly.

2) My romantic thoughts. The problem with them is that I fail to keep in mind that the only type of woman I have any business with is one in whom God has so worked that she does not need a nice or large house but rather she is willing to sacrifice a nice car and a big ring and a fancy home and exotic European vacations because her true longings are for God and for the benefit of His Church.

Matthew 19:30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
Romans 12:16 Associate with the lowly
Matthew 13:44-46 "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.