How to Keep Pure Thoughts
“You can’t control your thoughts, but you can control your actions.” Have you ever heard someone say this before or something similar? I think many people believe that their thoughts have a will of their own and can’t be controlled, and as long as what’s in their head doesn’t come out in the open, then it’s not hurting anyone else. While this line of thinking may be true in some sense— thoughts can be hard to control, and no human can actually read your mind— this isn’t the attitude taken by our Lord concerning our thoughts.
God’s Opinion on Purity
Our God calls us to think and act in ways higher than this world. He calls us to be pure in mind, body, and spirit, which requires us to develop a pure thought life. Let’s look at some Scripture references:
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8
But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28
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
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2
Okay, so as Christians, we must work towards having pure thoughts. But how do we do this? It’s a great question and a wise one to ask. Developing a pure mind is not always easy, especially since we battle our flesh daily and are surrounded by a world full of sin. Yet, amidst these challenges, one of the best ways to keep your thoughts pure is to keep the influences in your life pure! What do I mean? Let’s look deeper.
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Who/What Influences You?
What do your eyes see on a daily basis? What do your ears hear? What do read, listen to, and watch as you go about your day-to-day? While we may not always see the direct effects clearly, what we take in impacts us physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Have you ever started hanging around someone new and noticed they had a silly catchphrase? Then before you knew it you started to say it too? Humans have an uncanny way of imitating their surroundings. Sometimes this is a good thing, like if you’re surrounding yourself with good, Godly people. Other times it can be detrimental, like when you’re surrounded by those who may be caught up in the ways of the world.
We all know someone who was doing fine in life until they got caught up with the wrong crowd. God knows this about us and tries to warn us in verses like…
Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals. 1 Corinthians 15:33
He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20
So what or who are you allowing to influence you in your life? Take a moment to ask the Holy Spirit to help you evaluate the following in your life:
Tv shows/movies/entertainment you watch
Video games you play
Books/magazines/websites you read
People you follow on social media
People you spend time around in your free time or at work
Music you listen to
Could these things possibly be impure in Biblical standards? While you may not realize it, impure influences that we allow in our life do affect our thoughts. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, cut out the things listed above that may not be the best influence on you and see how your thoughts change for the better.
