BY TONY HOSS
QUESTION: How can I as a Christian avoid impure thoughts?
It is no surprise that “impure thoughts” can plague each of us. However, God gives us insight on how to control impure thoughts in our lives; He also makes it clear that impure thoughts can condemn a person. “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV). See also (Luke 11:37-54) where Jesus reveals the inner most thoughts of the unrighteous scribes and Pharisees of His day. In Matthew 9:34, Jesus addresses certain scribes and refers to their thoughts as evil. We know that evil cannot enter into the heavenly realm, therefore our thoughts can condemn us.
However, through Jesus our sins can be forgiven (Romans 8:1). By His work on the cross all men have hope of eternal salvation. Through the work of Jesus, the one who died for us, all who obey Him have His righteousness imputed unto them (Romans 4:24-25). But the question is, how do we avoid impure thoughts? Consider the following.
While the biblical concept is simple the implementation may be very difficult. We must take control of that which God has given us (our minds and the ability to choose properly). We should be reminded that impure thoughts can destroy us (Matthew 5:27-28).
To Christians, John wrote, “…Greater is He that is in you, than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). We must remember that God is on our side and desires that we overcome. It is for this reason that Paul could say, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
Many today fail to allow God to be their strength in all areas of life. They forget the dangers of daily living in a world of sin. Solomon said, “Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them” (Proverbs 22:5 KJV). Jesus said, “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38 KJV). Knowing our flesh is weak we should heed these words of our Saviour. As well we should remember to keep our distance from all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
It has often been said you are what you eat, in much the same way we become what we think. Knowing this, we realize that we usually act upon the most predominant thoughts in our minds. If those thoughts are impure then our souls are in danger. To avoid such dangers, we should fill our minds with good thoughts and then act upon those thoughts. Paul said, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (9) Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9 KJV). Paul tells us to bring “into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). It is imperative that we strive for heaven and the precious promises of Jesus (Luke 13:24).
This article does not allow for a full discussion on the issue, but what we have already stated will go a long way in helping each of us to avoid impure thoughts. There are other verses we should consider: (Colossians 3:1-5; 1 John 2:15-17; Matthew 12:35, Proverbs 4:23; Romans 12:1-2).
(Tony Hoss is minister at the Centerview Church of Christ, Elizabethton.)