“I believe that words and actions are rooted in our thoughts and that our thoughts determine our deeds. Our daily decisions, planned or spontaneous, are the result of our thoughts, and we are responsible for them. Although we as individuals might think that we are and can act independently of God, we cannot escape the realization that we are subject to eternal laws. Our happiness and our peace in this life, as well as in the life after, depend on our readiness to base our thoughts and actions on God-given laws. True peace of mind and everlasting happiness come from being in harmony with God. If we are to be one with Deity, then it is we who must change—and not God.” Hans B. Ringger, Emeritus Member of the Seventy, “Lord, to Whom Shall We Go?” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 83
Gosh, this may be a first. I’m not sure I have anything more to add.
Wait. Oh yeah, I do.
“As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” It can be kind of tough sometimes with so much being thrown at us, to keep our thoughts pure and free of the sins of the world. The trick is to really not entertain those thoughts. You can’t keep them from coming in, although restricting what you read, watch and listen to clean product helps a lot. But Satan and his minions are going to do all they can to distract from the straight and narrow path. So here’s what works for me:
1. I blink a couple of times, say “Stop it” in a firm voice and the thoughts or visuals go away. If that doesn’t work, then I —
2. Sing a primary song or hymn. This is almost always a fail safe. But if this doesn’t work either, then I —
3. Stop what I’m doing and start doing some hard housework, gardening or go and work out.
The key is to remove the thought from your mind rather than entertain them. Once the thought is removed then you can move onward and upward. So, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” we might say, can really be slightly altered to “As a man thinketh and entertaineth in his heart, so is he.”