Take Every Thought Captive
We demolish arguments and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. (2 Cor 10:4b-5)
At times our thoughts are in rebellion against Christ. They control our very actions in ways that are contrary to God's truth and principles. It may seem, on the surface, like the tail is wagging the dog.
Here are some common thoughts that begin as simple observations but then take root and begin to control how we treat others. They are not from God. They are from the enemy and they must be captured and bound.
*No one appreciates what I do.
-If you never receive a thank you note from a parent, a gift from a student, a pat on the back from your principal or a show of support from your family, then you may have evidence of being under appreciated. But when that thought could have easily breezed in and out of your mind decides to take up residence, it begins to dictate how you react to parents, how you respond to students, how you respect your principal, and how you rely on your family. You begin to back away and shut down. There is no rest to be found in the company of this thought--only inner turmoil.
*I'm all alone in this.
-Teaching can be quite isolating by its very physical nature-one teacher shut away in a classroom with students. Some beginning teachers cite this as their most disturbing discovery their first year. Thoughts of isolation can quickly turn into actions of self-preservation. We think we're alone, so we act as if we're alone. Community breaks down in a school when the walls of isolation go up. Relationships wither and die. We can't reach the hearts and minds of others from behind a brick wall. Don't allow this thought to determine your interaction at your school. We are all a part of one body. Don't cut yourself off!
*Parents just don't get it. -It's true that most parents don't know what your life is like as a teacher. They are very concerned about how you interact with their child, and on that level they can be very "child" centered. But parents can understand what your life is like if you share it with them. We may be the "experts", but we're not the only ones. Parents are the experts on their children. We could learn a thing or two.
*Students are apathetic. -They certainly may be that. But not all students are apathetic. Those who are, are not apathetic, all the time.
If we're not careful we can think ourselves right out of a job. Perception is everything. We are what we think. Make sure you sift each and every thought through the sieve of God and His Word. His wisdom brings life and peace even in the midst of stressful circumstances.
Lord, Your words bring light and give me a wholesome perspective on my ever-changing thoughts. Give me an increased desire to know, understand, love, and live by Your Word. Amen.
Vicki Caruana-'When Teachers Pray, Recess for Teachers:Taking Time Out for Your Mind, Bod, and Soul, and Apples & Chalkdust.'
At times our thoughts are in rebellion against Christ. They control our very actions in ways that are contrary to God's truth and principles. It may seem, on the surface, like the tail is wagging the dog.
Here are some common thoughts that begin as simple observations but then take root and begin to control how we treat others. They are not from God. They are from the enemy and they must be captured and bound.
*No one appreciates what I do.
-If you never receive a thank you note from a parent, a gift from a student, a pat on the back from your principal or a show of support from your family, then you may have evidence of being under appreciated. But when that thought could have easily breezed in and out of your mind decides to take up residence, it begins to dictate how you react to parents, how you respond to students, how you respect your principal, and how you rely on your family. You begin to back away and shut down. There is no rest to be found in the company of this thought--only inner turmoil.
*I'm all alone in this.
-Teaching can be quite isolating by its very physical nature-one teacher shut away in a classroom with students. Some beginning teachers cite this as their most disturbing discovery their first year. Thoughts of isolation can quickly turn into actions of self-preservation. We think we're alone, so we act as if we're alone. Community breaks down in a school when the walls of isolation go up. Relationships wither and die. We can't reach the hearts and minds of others from behind a brick wall. Don't allow this thought to determine your interaction at your school. We are all a part of one body. Don't cut yourself off!
*Parents just don't get it. -It's true that most parents don't know what your life is like as a teacher. They are very concerned about how you interact with their child, and on that level they can be very "child" centered. But parents can understand what your life is like if you share it with them. We may be the "experts", but we're not the only ones. Parents are the experts on their children. We could learn a thing or two.
*Students are apathetic. -They certainly may be that. But not all students are apathetic. Those who are, are not apathetic, all the time.
If we're not careful we can think ourselves right out of a job. Perception is everything. We are what we think. Make sure you sift each and every thought through the sieve of God and His Word. His wisdom brings life and peace even in the midst of stressful circumstances.
Lord, Your words bring light and give me a wholesome perspective on my ever-changing thoughts. Give me an increased desire to know, understand, love, and live by Your Word. Amen.
Vicki Caruana-'When Teachers Pray, Recess for Teachers:Taking Time Out for Your Mind, Bod, and Soul, and Apples & Chalkdust.'
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