Stray Chickens & Stray Thoughts

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.”  

We have a somewhat regular pastime around here of chasing chickens. Quite often one of the hens will “fly the coop.” Looking out the kitchen window, I will see her pecking around the side of the barn and, with chagrin, brace myself for another energetic escapade. It is not an easy ordeal to  corral a chicken into a corner or shoo her back into the barn. She likes being free to roam the fields looking for succulent bugs and leftover corn kernels from last year’s harvest.Though it is good exercise to chase her round and round, diving to grasp her elusive body and gently dropping her back into the pen, there are more important reasons for getting her back into the shelter of the pen.

First, it is a matter of safety. When she is separated from the other chickens and the protective rooster, she can more easily fall prey to dangerous predators. Her enjoyable foray into the field may turn into a pile of loose feathers blowing in the wind.Secondly, it is not productive for her to be loose. As chickens are accustomed to do, she will wander off to a quiet hidden spot and deposit her daily egg far from where it can be found. This lowers our production count and wastes a good egg. Knowing these things persuade me to put on my running shoes, head out to the barn, and capture her before it is too late.

Our thoughts can be like loose chickens. Often out of nowhere, an undesirable idea will pop into your head. It may be an unkind thought about an acquaintance, family member, or friend. Possibly it is a feeling of pride or self denigration. It may even be a temptation to do something you know is wrong. It is very dangerous to let these thoughts run loose in your mind. Negative thoughts about others can bring about bitterness, while putting oneself down unnecessarily 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 soul.

These unproductive and dangerous thoughts come to all of us from time to time. The only way to stop them in their tracks is to capture and bring them under control quickly . Take your prideful speculations and replace them with humility. Remind yourself of God’s love for you when feeling undeserving of His goodness. When contemplating a friend’s (or sibling’s) annoying habits remember how God has forgiven you of so much more. In doing so you will be obeying God by taking destructive thoughts captive and changing them into healthy and productive introspection.

Are there any loose thoughts running around in your brain today? Put on your running shoes and go catch them. Replace them with things that are true, pure, and good. You will be glad you got those chickens back in the barn!

Love,

Mama