2 Corinthians 10:5 – “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”

Are your chickens out of the barn?

Often one of our hens “flies the coop.” As she enjoys her freedom, I prepare for another chase. She likes being free to roam the fields looking for bugs and leftover corn kernels from last year’s harvest. Despite her desire to be free, there are important reasons to get her back into the shelter of the pen.

First is the matter of safety. When she is separated from the other chickens and the protective rooster, she can more easily fall prey to predators. Her enjoyable foray into the field may lead to a pile of feathers blowing in the wind.

Second, it is not productive for her to be loose. She wanders to a quiet, hidden spot and deposits her daily egg in her secret place. This lowers our production and wastes a good egg. Knowing these things persuades me to put on my running shoes, head to the barn and capture her before it is too late.

Our thoughts are like loose chickens. Out of nowhere undesirable ideas pop into our heads. It may be an unkind thought. Perhaps it is a feeling of pride or self-denigration.

It may even be a temptation to do something wrong.

It is dangerous to let these thoughts run loose in your mind. Negative thoughts about others can bring about bitterness, while putting yourself down can lead to depression and feelings of hopelessness.

Dwelling on fleshly desires can turn into actions that are deadly to our relationships and to our own souls.

The only way to stop these thoughts is to capture them quickly and bring them under control. Replace prideful speculations with humility. Remind yourself of God’s love when you feel undeserving of His goodness.

When annoyed by a friend’s habits, remember how God has forgiven you of so much more. In doing so, you will obey God by taking destructive thoughts captive and changing them into healthy and productive introspection.

Are there loose thoughts running around in your brain today? Put on your running shoes and catch them. Replace them with things that are true, pure, and good.

You will be glad you got those chickens back in the barn.