When a preacher visited a young couple, the wife said to him, “We’re new Christians, and although I’m saved I’ve lived a worldly life— swearing, partying, and all those things. The past keeps coming back to haunt me. It’s destroying my peace of mind.”

The pastor replied, “When something like that comes to mind, analyze it and recognize its evil source. Then, with God’s help, reject it and put it out of your life. Finally, replace it by saturating your mind with His truth.”

She took his advice and learned to control her thoughts. A few months later she testified, “I’m not being defeated by my past anymore.”

What we think about is important, for our words and actions reflect our personal musings and meditations. The Scripture says, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34). An evil idea once fixed in the mind may surface without warning. If we allow ungodly thoughts to dominate our minds, our character will become warped.

When sinful ideas pop into your head, refuse to concentrate on them. Quote a Scripture verse, sing a hymn, or pray. With God’s help, you will gradually bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5).

  — Henry G. Bosch