Net Those Butterflies!
I recently heard one of my favorite author/speakers use a phrase in random conversation that I could not get off my mind. I was listening to HIS podcast and scribbled a note while driving so would not forget. The phrase he used was “NET THAT butterfly” in reference to not allowing our thoughts to run away with us. That visual image has stuck in my head now for weeks.
Stinking thinking tends to be a dangerous downfall of mine if I am not very careful and intentional about NOT allowing that to happen.
In the fast-paced world we live in, our minds are often buzzing with a flurry of thoughts, opinions, and arguments. It’s as if our brains are a never-ending butterfly garden, with thoughts fluttering about like delicate butterflies, each one vying for our attention.
2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV, that invites us to bring order to that fluttering chaos: “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
This verse presents a powerful imagery of netting butterflies – capturing and subduing our thoughts for the purpose of aligning them with Christ’s will.
Let’s pause today to consider what it means to “net the butterfly” in the context of our everyday lives.
I have listed 6 ways to NET THAT BUTTERFLY thought that is keeping you STUCK and not allowing the freedom God desires in your life.
For the sake of time,. I am going to simply list these ideas but I will post more detail on my website in the P2P Resources as well as on a blog post.
1. Recognize the Fluttering Thoughts
Before we can capture and redirect our thoughts, we must first recognize them. Just as a butterfly flits through the air, our thoughts can be elusive and fleeting. They might be anxious, doubtful, or contrary to God’s wisdom. Take a moment to pause and become aware of what is going on in your mind. Are there thoughts that need capturing?
2. Destroying Arguments and Lofty Opinions
2 Corinthians 10:5 reminds us that we should “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God.” This doesn’t mean we should suppress all our thoughts; rather, it calls us to discern which thoughts align with God’s truth and which do not. Just as a butterfly collector carefully selects the most beautiful specimens, we should identify the thoughts that need to be captured for Christ.
3. The Butterfly Net: Scripture and Prayer
To effectively capture and redirect our thoughts, we need a strong net. This net is woven from the threads of Scripture and prayer. By immersing ourselves in God’s Word and spending time in prayer, we create a powerful tool for capturing and aligning our thoughts with Christ’s teachings. When we encounter a thought that doesn’t align with God’s truth, we can use Scripture to counter it and prayer to surrender it to God.
4. Taking Every Thought Captive
The verse continues, “and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” This is the essence of netting the butterfly – we must not let any thought escape our capture. Every thought should be brought before Christ for examination. Does it honor Him? Does it align with His teachings? If not, we must surrender it to Him and replace it with thoughts that do obey Christ.
5. The Transformational Power
Netting the butterfly of our thoughts isn’t just about control; it’s about transformation. When we capture and align our thoughts with Christ, we undergo a profound change. Our minds are renewed, our perspectives shift, and our actions follow suit. The thoughts that once hindered our faith and obedience are now instruments of spiritual growth and maturity.
6. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any skill, capturing our thoughts for Christ requires practice. It won’t happen overnight, but with consistent effort and reliance on God’s guidance, we can become skilled butterfly netters. Each day presents opportunities to capture and redirect our thoughts, drawing us closer to Christ and deepening our relationship with Him. In the bustling garden of our minds, thoughts flit about like butterflies, some beautiful and some disruptive. But as believers, we have the power and the calling to capture and align these thoughts with Christ’s teachings. 2 Corinthians 10:5 reminds us to “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
So, let us be diligent butterfly netters, using the tools of Scripture and prayer to capture and transform our thoughts. In doing so, we will find greater peace, wisdom, and a deeper connection with our Savior, as we bring every thought into obedience to Him.
ENJOY THE AUDIO OF THIS POST ON MY PODCAST PERMISSION TO PAUSE EPISODE 78!