May 26, 2003 Monday
Captive to Christ

"When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive" - Ephesians 4:8

Life in our flesh is directed and controlled by one of two laws, "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" or "the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2); the first ordained in Heaven to give us new life in Jesus Christ and the other brought about from the depths of hell to alienate us from "the life of God." (Ephesians 4:18) Which of the two controls us also determines the direction in which our very souls are moving...ever step of sin alienating us from Christ, and every step of faith leading to greater intimacy with Christ. The battle that rages inside of every believer is how to live after "the law of the Spirit of life" and "ascend up" when our flesh is so quick to the call of war against our own soul and Spirit...the key is captivity. "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh". (2 Corinthians 10:3) We can choose to be carried away captive by our own sinful lusts and desires or we can choose to be carried away by Jesus, "bringing into captivity every thought unto the obedience of Christ". (2 Corinthians 10:5) Remember that "to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." (Romans 8:6) To be spiritually minded means that our very thoughts have been taken away as a prisoner of war by Christ Himself and set free from "the law of sin and death". Jesus said in John 17:3, "this is life eternal, that they might know thee". What is holding you captive in your life?