If you've ever purchased a car you might have noticed that you start seeing the make and
model of that car everywhere. We start seeing our type of car everywhere because we find what we are looking for - it's how our mind works. Our mind is like a machine working all the time. If you're excited about a certain thing then your mind is going to help you find that thing. It's really amazing.
When you have a pure mind, a mind in alignment with God's will, you will change your focus from sinful things to things that please God.
Colossians 3:1–2 (ESV)
1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Here's something interesting that I read in a counseling book:
A person cannot think of two things at the same time. They can have two different thoughts in rapid succession, but not simultaneously.
If this is true, then it stands to reason that if you set your mind on things above, you won't be able to set your mind on things below.
You can combat impure thoughts by purposely thinking pure thoughts
Colossians 3 is an excellent admonishment to stop living a life against the will of God. It tells us to put to death things that are sexually immoral, indecent, or wrong. There is a stern reminder that God is not ok with us continuing to live in dark ways after we confess Jesus as Lord.
Why doesn't God want us to behave like the lost world?
Colossians 3:10 (CEV)
10 Each of you is now a new person. You are becoming more and more like your Creator, and you will understand him better.
You see, it's impossible to become more and more like our Creator and become more and more like the world.
How do you become more like God? It starts with what you focus your thoughts on each moment. Don't entertain lies from the enemy. When the temptation to live outside the will of God comes your way, then you need to do what Paul Simon says:
You Just slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don't need to be coy, Roy
Just get yourself free
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don't need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free
If you don't trust this song, maybe this scripture will help you when impure thoughts come:
James 4:7 CEV
7 Surrender to God! Resist the devil, and he will run from you.
Get your mind focused on God and His truth found in the Bible. That's the first thing you can do to have pure thoughts. Purify your mind.
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