Purity of Thought

"Let virtue garnish your thoughts unceasingly; then shall your confidence wax strong" D&C 121: 45.

'If Satan could but capture our minds, he would have won the battle and the war." Victor Brown. Our minds are powerful and responsive and have the potential to acquire great wisdom and knowledge. Our minds are also susceptible to negative influences. We have the capacity, however, in that evil, negative or unclean thoughts can't stay in our minds if we choose not to let them. We can exercise control over what we think about. This control is a constant battle because unseemly things are emphasized by people, peers, media etc. If we allow bad thoughts entering our minds, they can begin to dominate our actions and thus control and erode our lives.

Perhaps at some time you have noticed the eroding effect of waves lapping at a steep rocky coast, or wasting away sand from beaches. This action can be compared to the effect of unclean thoughts. They can erode our minds, causing insensitivity towards wholesome, affirmative influences or things of the Spirit.

What can we do to avoid bad thoughts? We can avoid as far as possible, individuals and places that foster unseemly thoughts. We can make wise choices of television programs, movies, books, magazines, social media. Thoughts, like water, run continuously and if not directed, will wander through paths of least resistance into low places. If we are religious prayer will help and will dismiss evil thoughts.

We can choose a favourite song, one with words that are uplifting. Go over it in your mind carefully, memorize it and use it when negative thoughts are tempting. Our minds learn to treasure what we feed them. What the mind treasures sinks into the heart and is manifest in our speech and actions. We often think that purity of thought is only important to the youth. It is not so. Why is it important for us as adults to strengthen our defenses against unclean thoughts? It is important because our own well-being is involved and we influence others. Is it not wisdom then to always strive for purity of thought? Many of us frown upon those who use bad language and question their education. Do we respect those who are loud - mouthed, and brings forth filth?

Sources: RS courses of study, Own content, Pixabay.