Skip to main content

Why didn't I think of that?

I have a post-it on my desk which simply says, “Etc., Etc.”.   That little post-it has helped me numerous times to be victorious over some of the most difficult times, people and temptations. It is so simple you will be asking yourself, “Why didn’t I think of that?” For example:

  • When I get a phone call from a nasty, angry, bitter person, "Etc., Etc." makes me not fear answering the next phone call.
  • That unexpected dilemma that throws my thought life into chaos.
  • A silly joke about my appearance may be all it takes to break the fantastic day I was having.
  • That gorgeous woman who not only distracts but breaks my attitude of worship.
  • Traffic...need I say more? Bills, kids, homework, pimples, broken a/c, flat tire, etc., etc.

Do you  know how much time we waste thinking about things that never happen?  Etc., Etc. can help!

  • Internet!  A huge distraction that cripples all of us from time to time.  Not to mention a sleezy or provocative ad/picture that takes your thought life into a downward spiral.

The list is virtually endless.  Now let me share with you the secret of "Etc., Etc." that can transform these events to something that draws you closer to God instead of separating you.

2 Cor. 10:4-6 (particularly verse 5)

“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.  We destroy arguments and every loft opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.”

Did you see it?  Etc., Etc. ...take Every Thought Captive to obey Christ.

Etc = Every Thought Captive.  Take every thought captive when you get that phone call, when you are stuck in traffic, when that unexpected bill comes, when co-workers say something against you, when you are surfing the internet, when that gorgeous man or woman takes notice of you - take every thought captive (Etc., Etc.).

At that split second when I am faced with a choice to obey or disobey I literally say to myself, "take every thought captive" and it changes my focus from self and from distraction to God and bringing Him glory instead of satisfying self.  I can do what I was created to do (i.e. give God glory) or I can defy my Creator and choose my own will, exchanging the glory of the immortal God for my own selfish desires.

I have found that if I remind myself to “take Every Thought Captive” at that split second, I do not give into temptation nearly as much as I would have.  It has made a world of difference in my life.  Literally walking into a store the other day I was faced with a big temptation and I just said to myself, “take every thought captive” and my mind was immediately transported to giving God glory, breaking into praise and worship.

Give "Etc., Etc." a try, you might be amazed at the results.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

If I Could Turn Back Time for 13 Seconds

     In the Star Trek parody Galaxy Quest , they had a device called the Omega-13 that could turn back time for 13 seconds.  What good is 13 seconds you ask?  It’s enough time to change one mistake.  As you might guess, they had a chance to use it and redeem a life altering oversight.          I often wish that my future self could come back and talk to my present self.   Imagine the mistakes I could avoid.   How often do we say to ourselves, “I wish I hadn’t done that” or “I wish I had done…”   Lately I have been trying to work out in the mornings.   It sounds great the night before, but when that alarm goes off, I only have about 3 seconds to thrust my feet over the side of the bed before I tell Alexa to wake me up in an hour.        Since the Omega-13 device only lives in Hollywood, it seems to me I need to make the right decisions at the right time.  Here’s a couple of things that I have found helpful. Have a plan a.      I know that if I don’t sit up on the edge of bed when
Post a Comment
Read more

Spiritual Influencers

According to the Nashville Film Institute’s website ( www.nfi.edu ) top influencers can earn anywhere from $40,000 a year with a modest following to celebrity influences that can earn over a million dollars per post .  They yield a persuasive power over their followers to redirect focus and entice the follower to buy or believe in whatever they are promoting.  Most of us have some realm of influence.  It may be family, friends, co-workers, social media, church, sports, online, etc.  As we emerge from the COVID Cocoon, we need to be “spiritual influencers”.  Imagine how many of us have suffered loss during COVID.  Do you know how many people are battling depression?  How many are struggling to pay their sky-rocketing rent?  There is real pain, real suffering and a serious lack of HOPE all around.  People are desperate for hope, help and genuine love.  They are ready to buy into anything that an influencer will peddle.  Envision a host of people intentional about spiritual influencing? 
Post a Comment
Read more

We Should All Smile Like That

  I just finished watching a YouTube video featuring an aged Peter Frampton and Eric Clapton.  Frampton and Clapton were playing "While My Guitar Gently Weeps".  I couldn't get over the joy on Frampton's face as he was playing.  He loved what he was doing.  He loved playing with Eric Clapton.  He loved making the audience "gently weep".  And he loved everything about it. He was taking in every second and appreciating for what it was, a once in a lifetime moment to play with Eric Clapton.  It was a perfect blending and appreciation for each other and their impact to the world of music.  I didn't sense any egos, just radiant joy.  It was impossible to not smile as you watched Peter play, even Clapton smiled (a rare moment).  Peter's joy was infectious.  As I watched his contagious joy doing what he loves, I wondered if I still exude joy for my passions? What are you passionate about?  What brings you joy?  Pursue those things with all your heart, soul
Post a Comment
Read more