Pure thinking

Philippians 4:8-9
"Finally brethren ,whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, meditate on these things."


We have begun a journey investigating our thought lives from a Biblical perspective. Along our journey so far we have visited true, noble, and just thoughts. Today we're going to take a look at pure thoughts.

Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines pure this way:
"Free from moral defilement; without spot; not sullied or tarnished; incorrupt; undebased by moral turpitude; holy."

Vine's Expository Dictionary defines the word from the Greek as "pure from defilement, not contaminated". It can also be translated chaste meaning "pure from every fault, immaculate".

One good picture of purity is newly fallen snow... have you ever awakened to a world of freshly fallen snow? It's one of the most amazing and beautiful visual experiences! Being a sunny California girl, it's a rare treat for me to see that. But it only took once to leave an indelible imprint on my mind... the hush, the crispness, the awe inspiring beauty of untouched, undisturbed snow. Oh how I wish my mind had the constant quality of freshly fallen snow - without spot, unsullied, pure white, faultless.

Unfortunately, my mind is battlefield where even if the "snow" falls pure, there is my enemy close at hand to sully that "snow" with dirty boots meant to contaminate the tranquility and purity. But this I know, that even with an enemy so fierce and determined, my God is greater and I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus my Lord.

Praise God that His word is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword; it pierces even to the division of joints and marrow, soul and spirit and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12). The word of God is a purifier (Ps. 119:9), as I press into Him, read and memorize the Word of God - it cleanses my heart and mind convicting, correcting, instructing me (II Tim. 3:16-17).

My dear friends, pure thoughts can only come through the Word of God. As we find our thoughts becoming sullied or tarnished to any degree, we must put off those thoughts and put on the mind of Christ by replacing them with the Word of God. Find verses that speak to your struggle and write them down on a 3X5 card, place them where you can see them (mirror, steering wheel, inside of front door, etc). Keep it before your eyes because the Word of God is our sword. Let me encourage you to pick up your sword and slice through those impure thoughts. Then the victory will be sure time and time again.