Only Pure Thoughts

“The thought of foolishness [is] sin: and the scorner [is] an abomination to men.” (Pr 24:9 AV)

Some wonder whether thoughts can be sinful.  It appears they can.  Those that dispute this assertion believe there is nothing that can be done regarding thoughts.  They appear in the mind without any type of control.  They simply are there.  There is nothing, so they say, that can prevent them.  May I offer some suggestions? The Bible tells us to bring all our thoughts into captivity to the knowledge of God.  Therefore, it is possible to control one’s thought life.  We are not subject to our brains.  Knowing what triggers thoughts is one of those means by which they can be controlled.  A bit more of that in a minute.

First, we cannot think on what we do not know.  There is no such thing as a purely original thought.  A baby cannot think on building a bulldozer.  He simple does not know what one is or the components or techniques required to build one.  He does not have the required information.  Therefore, the first step in controlling our thought life is to control what we allow into our minds.  Second, as stated above, we need to know what triggers certain thoughts, and control those thoughts before they mature.  All one has to do is walk in certain places or see certain things to know unclean thoughts are a real possibility.  If that is the case, there are two options.  Don’t go there.  Or, if you must, discipline the eyes to look upon that which is pleasing to God.  Third, the mind cannot entertain two or more thoughts simultaneously.  We are linear.  We can think of two thoughts interchangeably and rapidly that it seems as though we are thinking of two things at the same time, but we are not.  Knowing this, we can occupy the mind with that which is acceptable to the LORD.  If there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.

Our thought life can be wicked.  It is sin to entertain evil.  Whether we act upon it or not, what we allow to occupy our minds is either right or wrong.  This battle is an ongoing one.  It is perhaps the hardest of all to win.  But fight we must.  We must conquer the mind for the glory of Jesus Christ!  The brain must be in submission to the pure holiness of Almighty God.