Bellevue Student Ministry

Pure Thoughts

“Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5

From the beginning of time, God has known our every thought. He knows that our sinful nature brings about evil thoughts, and we can only think pure thoughts with His aid. His word says “The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are a mere breath” (Psalm 94:11). The word “thoughts” in Genesis 6:5 and Psalm 94:11 is the word “machashabah”, meaning every purpose or plan. God knows our every intention, motive, and purpose of our thoughts. Often times I am so concentrated on what I say, that I forget to focus on making my thoughts pure also.

Many times we hear people insult or talk down on a person, and we think “They should not be saying that!” However, if you think evil thoughts about someone, but do not say it, that is still sin. We have to remember, our Heavenly Father knows our every thought. Sometimes I tend to forget about what Jesus “hears” and only focus on what others hear. We should strive for purity and holiness in every in every area of our lives – especially our thought life. God’s word says, “For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart” (Matthew 12:34). What are your heart, mind, and thoughts focused on?

What can we do to banish our evil thoughts? Take them captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), and replace them with the things of the Lord. For example, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8). Memorizing, meditating, and filling our minds with scripture will give us the armor and weapons we need to fight off evil thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8,9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Heavenly Father, Help me to have pure thoughts before You. Your word says to “take captive every thought.” May you form my thoughts into what you desire – holy, pure, clean thoughts that glorify You.