Captive

The thought of being held captive isn't necessarily a pleasant one!  I remember little boys playing games and taking prisoners, and a few times prisoners tied to trees.  I think that's when Mr. Bill started locking up his ropes.

 

Spiritual captivity is very real!  The little prisoners here weren't mistreated, but there were calls for help at times!  Satan uses all kinds of "ropes" to bind people today.  Usually, we think of in terms of addictions that take prisoners but [in-truth] the bindings are often much more subtle: bitterness, anger, greed, selfishness, pride, etc.  So how do Believers avoid these trappings?  Scripture tells us we cannot be captured if we are already captive: “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5).  When every thought, idea, motive, desire, decision [the whole person] belongs solely to Christ, there’s no opportunity for Satan’s craftiness to succeed in taking us prisoner.  It won’t be us who conquers, but rather “ … God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere.” (2 Corinthians 2:14).  In reality, few prisoners get to pick their captor but spiritually-speaking, it’s the best defense Christians have in our spiritual battles.  Actually, we really can choose captivity and choose our Captor: choose Christ Jesus -- Hand Him the ropes -- And live.