I will be clean  and honest in my thoughts, words and deeds.

First off, this is easier said than done. Having acknowledged the challenge, let’s take a look at what we are shooting for. Philippians  4:8 tells us,

“Whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things”

 We need to do two things to develop the habit of clean thinking:

1.   Consciously  make a mental scan for these positive things to replace negative thoughts.

What went well today?

What am I grateful for?

What made me laugh today?

This is a way of retraining the mind to think positively. We are inclined to remember everything went wrong even if we have 100 things that actually went well. No doubt this practice will affect our mental health, our success and our reactions to life’s inevitable ups and downs.

2.  Make a conscious effort to screen out things that are not true, honest, just, pure etc. from entering our minds.
If we decide to follow this advice it means that we will have to become very selective in our choice of entertainment. For instance, if we don’t want our lives to be filled with constant drama, why would we spend hours and hours mentally imbibing inflammatory dialogue between warring, conniving characters. “By beholding we become changed”. 

It is not hard to tell what kind of company someone is keeping because their language and mannerisms are often affected; this extends to entertainment also. Think about it, after looking at a “Kung fu” movie we are more inclined to fight; after looking at high speed chases, motorists are more likely to speed etc.

 After looking at ‘Scandal’ aren’t we more suspicious of everyone’s motives…hmm? 😒

‘Of course Mary is not just smart and hardworking, she is planning to win favour with the boss and get promoted before we do, we know that type’. Yes we do, we know ‘that type’ from our nightly drama queen schooling. 😱😰😨😩😡

Humans are affected by images be they dramatic, exciting,sensual or horrific.  If you don’t have time to watch tv, your life is pretty good. What we read and the music we listen to also affects our mood and our mind. If we want be honest, pure and true we have to feed our minds things that are honest, pure and true. Unfortunately that is not what mainstream media is about so it may take some effort to find suitable entertainment..suggestions are welcome.

To maintain clean thoughts, it takes repeated concerted efforts to think about good things and to keep our minds from dwelling on lies, dishonesty, wickedness and other impure thoughts. 

                                                                                                                                          Ras Shorty I 

https://pledgett.org/

Better you, better me, better T&T