Many Christians struggle with this question, “How to cleanse the mind of impure thoughts” especially, in our highly digital world. But regardless of that, taking control of our thoughts is important.
Proverbs 4:23 says:
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life”.
The “heart” referred to in this scripture includes the mind and everything that proceeds from it. Someone said that every sin we commit is committed twice – once in our thoughts and again when we act on those thoughts.
It is easier to rid our lives of sin if we attack it at the very beginning (in our thinking), rather than waiting for it to become ingrained in our lives by our actions and then trying to remove it.
There is also a difference between being tempted (a thought entering the mind) and sinning (meditating and enjoying an evil thought).
It is important to understand that when a thought enters our mind, we examine it from the scriptures and determine whether to continue down that path or reject the thought and replace it with another.
If we have already allowed a habit to form in our thinking life, it becomes more difficult to change the path of our thoughts, just as it is difficult to take a car from a deep ravine and into a new lane. However, it is not impossible!
Here are some suggestions for taking control of our thoughts and how to get rid of impure thoughts:
1) Keeping God’s Commandments
Let us be constant in keeping the commandments, so that when a sinful thought enters the mind (a temptation) we will be able to recognize it for what it is and know which way to go.
Jesus in the Wilderness (Matthew 4) responded to each of Satan’s temptations with Scripture that applies to the direction He knew His mind should go, instead of going down the path of sinful thinking. When tempted to satisfy your physical need (turn stone into bread).
He recited the passage about the importance of trusting God. When tempted to serve Satan in order to obtain the glory of the world, He brought up the passage that says that we must serve and worship God alone and speak of the glory that belongs to Him and to those who are His.
When tempted to test God (to see if God was really present and would keep his promises), Jesus responded with passages that emphasize the importance of believing in God without having to see him demonstrate his presence.
Quoting Scripture in a time of temptation is a powerful key that unlocks heaven’s gates and lights our way.
However, we need to know the scriptures before temptation comes. In other words, we need to make our choice before the opportunity presents itself, because if the opportunity presents itself, we will know exactly how to proceed.
So, a daily habit of studying the scriptures in a meaningful way is essential. If we are aware that a commandment is being particularly difficult, law of chastity or the Word of Wisdom, for example, we need to study and memorize scriptures that deal with these issues.
2) Seek The Help Of The Holy Spirit
All Church members are entitled to the gift of the Holy Ghost, and all persons, even those who are not members of the Church, are entitled to its influence.
The Holy Spirit helps us make the best choices. He helps us choose which way to go. Truly, the Holy Spirit sanctifies us. To sanctify something means to make it pure and sacred.
The Holy Ghost can help us become pure and holy as we work to become more like our Savior Jesus Christ.
John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus Christ, taught that Christ would baptize people “with the Holy Ghost and with fire.” Fire is used as a way to remove impurities.
The Holy Spirit is compared to fire because it has a purifying influence in our lives that helps us become worthy to live with God one day.
3) Avoid Spending Time With Things That Encourage Us To Go Down The Wrong Paths
This is the idea of Proverbs 4:23. Should we guard our heart – what do we allow to enter or remain in it? Job 31:1 says, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I look upon a virgin?” Romans 13:14 says, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in its lusts.”
Thus, we must avoid magazines, videos, websites, conversations and situations that induce us to fall. We should also avoid spending time with those who encourage us to go down these wrong paths.
4) Replace Sinful Thoughts With Good Thoughts And Good Deeds
We must follow Christ, replacing sinful thoughts with wholesome thoughts and activities. This is the replacement principle. When tempted to hate someone, we can replace those hateful thoughts with godly actions: we do good to them, speak well of them, and pray for them (Matthew 5:44).
Instead of stealing, we should work hard to earn money so that we can look for opportunities to give to others in need (Ephesians 4:28). When tempted to lust after a woman, we take our eyes off, praise God for the way He has made us, and then think of her as a sister (1 Timothy 5:2).
The Bible often speaks of “putting off” wrong actions and thoughts, and then “putting on” godly actions and thoughts (Ephesians 4:22-32). Simply seeking to remove sinful thoughts without replacing them with pure thoughts leaves an empty field for Satan to come in and sow his weeds (Matthew 12:43-45).
5) “all You Have To Do Is Hum The Hymn You Like Best”
The hymn “Mumble your favorite hymn” is a great tip to ward off impure thoughts. Let’s go to the letter:
“If a black thought enters your mind
A good advice I will give you here at this time
All you have to do is hum the hymn you like best
Expand sound and heart and start singing
If your tongue wants to drop very angry words
You can control it and be appeased.”
If we keep in mind the words of our favorite hymn, when we have a bad thought, we can start singing, even if mentally. If we do that, the bad thinking will go away.
If you want to read more articles similar to 5 Ways To Cleanse The Mind Of Impure Thoughts, we recommend you visit our Spiritual Health category.
Of Course, There Are Many Helpful Tips To Ward Off Impure Thoughts. If You Have Other Tips, Comment Below. Always Remember That Christ Walks With Us. He Can Always Help Us.
