Take captive my thoughts...

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.
~ 2 Corinthians 10:5

This past week, my daily devotional book has been taking me through "Disciplines of the Mind": Fear, Faith, Regret, Hope, Bitterness, Love, Weakness, Power. Today it wrapped it up with the verse above - telling us to take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Last Sunday in Sunday School - Ms. Faye taught on vocation versus occupation. She gave an example at the end of the lesson that has come back to me several times this week. There was a castle owned by a Master, and outside the castle there was a garden. The Master left the man in charge of the garden while he was gone. A visitor came to the castle occasionally, and the garden was always meticulously kept. Everything was just perfect every time he came by. He noticed that the Master had been gone for quite some time, but that the garden was still kept very neat and orderly; just perfect. One day he asked the gardener how long the Master had been gone, and he said, "I guess it's been about 10 years." The visitor then asked, "When do you expect him back?" And the gardener said,
"I expect him every day."

And all week I thought...
That's how I should work... both at my job, with my family, with my friends, with strangers, doing God's work, living this life that God has given me, when thoughts creep in that don't glorify Him.

Instead of living life like the Master is away and I'll have a chance to clean up when I hear He's coming - I need to work and live and think and love for Him; expecting Him every day.

LORD, take captive my thoughts and help me to remember:

Two little lines I heard one day,Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart; Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears; Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say; Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep; Faithful and true what e'er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn; Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne; Only one life, "twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say,"Thy will be done";
And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say "twas worth it all";
Only one life,'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last