Thursday, 08 July 2010
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Clean Up Your Mind: Guarding Your Thoughts
By Roderick Evans
Christians must be on guard from the allure of the world. If we keep the world’s pattern of thinking, we will fail in our Christian walk. The believer must stay cautious at all times. He must allow his thought process to be governed by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. The world is not only designed to keep our flesh in bondage, but also our minds and spirits. Paul lets us know that we must not only keep our flesh (bodies) clean, but also our spirits,Therefore having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (II Corinthians 7:1)
God has given us many promises. Because Jesus overcame the world, the believer can also (John 16:33). He promised us power over the enemy, victory instead of defeat. Yet, the above scripture lets us know that to obtain these promises we must cleanse ourselves; that is, our thoughts, emotions, personality traits, attributes, and fleshly desires. The flesh is to be cleansed since it is where sins are committed in the physical body. The spirit needs to be cleansed because it is where sins of the mind take place.
Some believers become deceived in their thinking in this area. They may feel that as long as they do not fornicate, commit adultery, smoke, or drink, then they are righteous. So, they neglect to correct the error that is in their spirit. However, the scriptures state,
All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. 1 John 5:17 (KJV)
Many things may fall under the header of sin. Hence, we should take into consideration that sin includes backbiting, lying, jealousy, envy, strife, stubbornness, rebellion, hatred, and the like. We have to allow the mind of Christ to be formed in us. The world not only tries to dictate how to live, but it tries to dictate how to behave also. The believer has to keep his spirit from being defiled. It is only then that we can be separate from the world.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1 John 2:16 (KJV)
Believers fail to cleanse their spirit from the world’s influence because it is unseen. They are focused on keeping their physical activities pure while neglecting their mental activities. For they feel that as long as there is no outward sin, there is nothing to be concerned about.
So, examine your thoughts and your perspective on life. Make sure they are not in line with the world. Have fervor to be cleansed on the inside.
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About the Author
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- From: roderickevans
- Name: Roderick
- Location: Elizabeth City, North Carolina, United States
- About Me: Roderick L. Evans is a solid voice in the Christian community as a minister, author, and songwriter. He has written numerous books, teaching resources, music, articles, blogs, and other devotional materials for the Christian community. He is the founder of Kingdom Builders International Ministries: A ministry dedicated to promoting maturity, unity, and holiness in the Body of Christ.
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Comments (15)
I was just reminded why I just... CAN'T visit this site anymore, even out of sheer curiosity.
I know there's a difference between having fleeting sinful thoughts, and outright fantasizing...but how do we keep ourselves from never having these "bad thoughts"? Live in a cave?
The reality being that it's much easier said than done and all too often and in far too many churches, those in the congregation feel sorely condemned and judged by the leaders. Unfortunately, they allow that to drive them away from the church and sometimes away from God altogether before fully understanding God's love and compassion towards them and their failings.
i, myself, fail more often in this than i'd care to think about but it doesn't keep me from trying.
Thanks for posting this.
@nimbusthedragon@xanga - frustrating sometimes, ain't it? Your thoughts are just as important, though.
Thank you for posting this, brother. Please keep it up. Christians need to be reminded, exhorted and encouraged in regards to sanctification in ALL aspects of our life; truly there are not enough brothers doing this.
I pray that those who would read this would have the eyes of their hearts opened to understand that you are not requesting legal perfection but instructing on Spiritual Discipline so that they would be well equipped for every work of good-service in the Lord.
@BoneHeadTX@xanga - Well, as an atheist, I feel my thoughts wouldn't be construtive here.
@nimbusthedragon@xanga - i disagree but i totally get your apprehension to express them. Sorry.
@BoneHeadTX@xanga - Well no, it's cool lol. It's just that, while I understand the general idea of why one would want to do these things as a Christian... I just.. SO vehemently disagree. The world isn't all evil temptation, it's beautiful, type of thing.
Anyway. ^_^
@nimbusthedragon@xanga - it truly is, REGARDLESS of which park bench you view it from (i'm a sucker for metaphors).
@nimbusthedragon@xanga - I guess it all comes down to how Christians and atheists define "good thoughts" and "bad thoughts." Even if we have to agree to disagree on that level, thinking bad thoughts is never a good thing.
@deepestrecesses - Amen.
@sarahzthoughts@xanga - I agree. haha bad thoughts are bad! lol
As soon as bad thoughts come into my head I pray for it to leave. Or if I'm in a bad mood, I pray for it to be lifted. If you actively fight against bad thoughts/bad moods etc. instead of letting them build up and grow in you, you really will begin to notice a difference in yourself.
:D It's so hard for certain people to accept this kind of self-discipline these days but it's definitely a challenge worth taking, day in and day out.