Do I Buy the Lies?

What are the standards of this world? This is what Paul was preaching against in 2 Cor. 10: 1-6. I am going to take a stab at this, but I am not sure I know what I am talking about. Holy Spirit, take over and help me to understand what you are saying to me this morning!

The standard for this day in age is if anything not set very high, but then in some ways it is to the extreme. We are either all or nothing kind of people. 2 Cor. 10:2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.

1) It is normal and a common standard now a days for the dad of today to be uninvolved and actually portrayed as stupid and useless.
2) The world sets a standard that a lady by her mid 30's will need, and must take some kind of "happy" pill to survive.
3) There is a standard to push our kids in everything and make them be the best and no less.
4) We must have 2 incomes and have more than we need square footage.
5) Ladies must be thin and gorgeous. You must be nipped and tucked in order to get/stay that way.
6) It is ok if you are obese just as long as you are happy inside and just loving you.
7) I can have what I want and actually before I want it.
8) We must drive the latest mini-van or the top sport utility.
9) It is not enough to provide for your family, you must ACT like you make much more.
10) Debt is a good thing and expected.
11) God just wants you to be comfortable and hear feel good sermons. Come dressed any way you want.
12) It is more important to spend time with the right people than to spend time with the Righteous Person!
13) The Word is for those that want to read a great story book.
14) Mom, you must do it all and be it all. And have on a happy face while doing it!
15) Young girls can look like they are at least 5 years older.
16) All kids need a computer and TV in their room.
17) All kids must have their own room.
18) All kids must drive a very nice car and certainly have it before they turn 16.
19) You must send your child to private school.
20) Husband and wife are free to look around and touch, just don't tell.
21) I am entitled to any kind of fun I want and I don't have to tell.
22) There is no reason for me to be held accountable for anything.
23) All I need is a good sermon and my Sunday is done. If I can get it on Saturday night - even better! Whatever is more comfortable and most convenient!

Of course the list can on and on!! These are the first that have come to my mind this morning. Now some of these things in and of themselves are not wrong or excessive and are not below His standard. But as with everything - where is the heart? Where is the heart on the matter and what is the motivation and pursuit - pursuit of the heart!

I can get so caught up in wrong thinking and not even realize I have been suaded one way or another. I buy a lie and do not even know I was paying!! So when I finally come to my senses and realize that I have a stronghold that needs to be reckoned with or a desire that needs to be checked or certainly a motivation that has turned sour - what do I do?????????????

2 Cor. 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

We kill the thoughts, the masks we live behind, the useless arguing, the strongholds, all the deceiving garbage and do what.................. Take captive those thoughts!!! Yeah baby!!! I feel like shoutin'!! Jesus holds the keys to those captive thoughts and can do some major rehabilitation when we are obedient and submissive to our Lord!!! Thank you Lord. Help me to live in Your victory!!! Captivate me!!!