Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ – 2 Corinthians 10:5
“You came out of your mama, and you didn’t even cry. You just opened your eyes, and you looked around the room at everybody. Your eyes were so big and gorgeous. All the ladies in the room just gasped… and they go, ‘Oh, she’s like an angel.’ … And then… they put you on the table to clean you up, and you looked up at me and you smiled. They say babies that young can’t smile. You smiled.” This dialogue is from the movie Signs, when Graham, his two young children, and his adult brother were barricaded in their basement as aliens entered their home.
The scene had not only provided a climactic twist, but it also offered a wonderful example of 2 Corinthians 10:5’s reference to: “Casting down imaginations.” It was demonstrated by Graham, who, as the authoritative figure, knew the dire circumstances his family faced and the need to project a calm and assured demeanor. So, instead of dwelling on their perilous state, Graham recalled happier times. He didn’t allow the situation he was in to dictate his behavior. Graham’s dialogue projected the direction of his mind, which was a hopeful outcome for him and his family.
Second Corinthians 10:5 speaks of the power we’ve been granted over our thoughts. Because while we’re incapable of fixing everything to our liking, we do have the ability to work on what we think about those things by casting down and looking up.