“We take every thought captive” ~2 Corinthians 10:5

Since it’s original printing in 1937, Think and Grow Rich had sold more than 20 million copies at the time of author, Napoleon Hill’s death in 1970. This book still remains as one of the all-time best selling books. According to Hill, the germ of the idea behind his book was given to him by Andrew Carnegie, another well-known and wealthy businessman. 

Each chapter recounts stories of men who refused to give up once they established their goal. They fixed their minds upon that goal and worked through all difficulties and obstacles until they obtained their riches. Of course many such books have been written throughout the years but this one seems to be the master seller still, focusing on setting goals, visualizing what you want and never giving up. 

There is power in our thoughts and there is also destruction in them. Proverbs 23:4 says in words we should place on our computer monitors or bathroom mirrors:  “Don’t wear yourself out to get rich; stop giving attention to it. As soon as your eyes fly to it, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.” HCSB 

Matthew 6:21  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

Surely as Christians, we’ve learned that the love of money is the root of all evil and therefore we have set money in its rightful place in our lives. A place of necessity to live and to share. And yet, if we are honest, each time we see a book such as Think and Grow Rich, a little twinge peeks above the horizon and suggests that if we did grow rich, think how many people we could help. Such thoughts are to be handled according to the following verse: 

2 Corinthians 10:4-5  We destroy false arguments; we pull down every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey Christ. 

As it turns out, our thoughts are either focused on our Heavenly Father and His will and instructions for us discovered in the pages of the Bible or they are not! And if not, then on what? Will our thoughts please God and build up our relationship with Him? 

1 Corinthians 13:11  When I was a child, my speech, feelings, and thinking were all those of a child; now that I am an adult, I have no more use for childish ways. 

Romans 12:3  And because of God’s gracious gift to me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you should. Instead, be modest in your thinking, and judge yourself according to the amount of faith that God has given you. 

Ephesians 3:20-21  Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.   

Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as to divide soul, spirit, joints, and marrow; it is a judge of the ideas and thoughts of the heart. 

Philippians 4:7  And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

The ability to think is a God-given gift and is accompanied by great power. Power for good and evil. Power to build up or tear down. The source of our thoughts decides which result will follow.