2nd Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" ..
This passage of scripture teaches us that our very thoughts must be brought into subjection to Christ, for from our thoughts spring our actions. Everything that we do in life starts first with a thought, hence the reason why it is of critical importance that our thoughts be governed by the word of God and the indwelling of the Holy Ghost, so that our words and actions may accurately reflect the character of The God whom we serve. As Christians we should never allow our minds to dwell on that which is contrary to sound principle, nor should we imbibe that which will stain our souls, and thus trigger thought processes that will lead us in an opposite direction from God.
This sacred truth is not understood as it ought to be, and because of this many of us sit in front of the television and allow vulgar scenes and raunchy shows to be fed into our minds, and then we wonder why it's so hard to resist temptation and overcome daily. The songs that we listen to all have an effect on our thought processes, for it is a fact that by beholding we become changed, and this principle applies across the board, for good and evil alike. That's why the scriptures admonish us to be faithful sentinels of our thoughts, by allowing our minds to dwell only on that which will edify and build up. Let's read:
Philippians 4:8 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.
However, there is a big difference between thoughts and suggestions, and many Christians struggle to know the difference, and often become confused when an evil suggestion passes through our minds. We often wonder whether the suggestion was generated internally by us, or whether it was triggered externally by the wily foe. The fact is that it matters not whether it was originated with us or with the devil, what matters most is that we do not dwell on it, nor encourage it, for evil suggestions are sometimes produced internally because of what we may have done or seen in the past, before we met Christ. And because we do not yet possess the ability to choose what to forget, our minds can pull up some of these scenes at random from in the mental library of our memory, where they are stored.
The way then that our thoughts are brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ is by first filling it with material that is upright in nature, meaning that we must feed our minds daily from the Bible, with that which is good and edifying, and as we study the life and teachings of Christ and all the prophets, our minds will gradually gravitate to that which we most often dwell upon, and the power of The Holy Spirit will take up the slack and enable us to do what we cannot do for ourselves. We therefore end with a passage that should be our prayer and the theme of our song, so that our minds may become more and more fused with the mind of God whom we serve. Let's read:
Psalms 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. 12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!