Introduction:
Controlling one's thoughts is a significant theme in Christian theology and spiritual practice. The Bible provides guidance on the importance of managing one's mental and emotional processes, emphasizing the need for purity, focus, and alignment with God's will. This entry explores biblical teachings and principles related to controlling thoughts, drawing from various scriptures and theological insights.

Biblical Foundations:
The Bible underscores the importance of the mind and thoughts in shaping one's character and actions. Proverbs 4:23 states, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." Here, the "heart" often represents the mind and inner thoughts, highlighting the necessity of vigilance over one's mental state.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently addresses the topic of thoughts. In Romans 12:2 , he exhorts believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation involves a deliberate shift in thinking patterns, aligning them with God's truth and purposes.

The Role of the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in helping believers control their thoughts. In Galatians 5:22-23 , Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes self-control. This self-control extends to the realm of thoughts, enabling believers to resist negative or sinful thinking and cultivate a mindset that honors God.

Practical Steps for Controlling Thoughts:
1. Meditation on Scripture:
Psalm 1:2 describes the blessed person as one whose "delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." Regular meditation on God's Word helps to fill the mind with truth and righteousness, crowding out harmful or distracting thoughts.

2. Prayer and Supplication:
Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Prayer is a powerful tool for redirecting thoughts and finding peace.

3. Taking Thoughts Captive:
In 2 Corinthians 10:5 , Paul instructs, "We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." This involves actively identifying and challenging thoughts that are contrary to God's truth.

4. Focusing on the Positive:
Philippians 4:8 provides a guideline for thought life: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." By focusing on positive and virtuous thoughts, believers can cultivate a healthy and God-honoring mindset.

Challenges and Spiritual Warfare:
Controlling thoughts is not without challenges. Believers face spiritual warfare, as described in Ephesians 6:12 : "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Recognizing the spiritual dimension of thought control is essential for effective resistance against negative influences.

Conclusion:
While controlling one's thoughts is a lifelong endeavor, the Bible provides ample guidance and resources for believers to pursue a disciplined and God-centered thought life. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, prayer, meditation on Scripture, and active engagement in spiritual warfare, Christians are equipped to align their minds with the will of God, fostering spiritual growth and maturity.Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
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Hebrews 13:18
Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
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Matthew 5:28
But I say to you, That whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.
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Plato's Opinion, that the Chief Good Consists in Assimilation to ...
... And in virtue of the same reason, our self-controlling man is dear to God ... him return
to the Lord, and he shall obtain mercy," down to "and your thoughts from my ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxii platos opinion that the.htm

A Praying Bent of Mind.
... I was surprised to find that my thoughts had been ... you are most set upon, whatever
your favorite fads ... chiefly by the cultivation of the controlling purpose of ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/a praying bent of mind.htm

Presence in Absence
... not Him, He saw them, heard their words, knew the thoughts and intents ... You will be
in danger of caring little about controlling your passions, about speaking ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xii presence in absence.htm

Growth
... heart and mind with Him, let your thoughts go to Him ... relations and large harmonies
and controlling power are not being increasingly realised in your lives; that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/growth.htm

"But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory ...
... otherwise happen, but designs, courses, thoughts, and ways ... that are always raging
and controlling the voice ... be provoked by it, to choose your delusions, because ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv but if ye.htm

The Notion of Inability.
... of the same faculty, been indirectly controlling the states of ... my dear brother or
sister, these thoughts and feelings, though exercises of your own mind ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxiii the notion of.htm

Choked Channels.
... send out a rare fragrance of gladness and kindliness and controlling peace, they ...
Your thoughts are saying: "I wish I could live such a life, but certainly this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/choked channels.htm

The Sower.
... They have not a real heart-possessing, life-controlling religion, and they ... Your time,
your memory, your imagination, your affections, your thoughts, late and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/i the sower.htm

The Test of Discipleship
... to God, zeal for His glory, was the controlling power in ... God dwells in us, our feelings,
our thoughts, our purposes ... to Him, and accept Him as your Saviour, then ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 7 the test of.htm

Exhortation to Workers and Ministers
... If we would but be patient under God's controlling power and let him work ... are talking
with God, give him a chance to reveal precious thoughts to your soul. ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xxiii exhortation to workers.htm

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