I have learned that the primary battle for purity is all in the mind. What will we each put before our mind and our eyes? What mental pictures, images, and thoughts will we mull over?

God sets us up for success by telling us how important it is to manage our thoughts. Philippians 4:8, 9b highlights what our minds are supposed to dwell upon: “Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things… and the God of peace shall be with you.”

I used to live in a constant state of dissatisfaction because I did not manage my thoughts. If a lustful thought crossed my mind, I followed it. I did not know how to control my thoughts. It was like I had a house with an open door where anything could come in at any time. If we do not guard what is allowed to enter our mind, any little stimuli (that we see or hear) can lead us down a very unhealthy road. These unguarded thoughts will quickly take over an idle mind, and if allowed, they will lead to all sorts of random and impure imaginings.

We must learn how to guard what enters our “mind-gate,” otherwise our nature (outside of Christ) has an unpleasant appetite for sin and is prone to fall. We also need to be aware of the enemy, who will sow thoughts in our mind if we let him. The enemy wants us to assume that his tempting and deceptive thoughts are our own ideas and desires. He wants to deceive us so that the negative consequences of our sinful thoughts are used to destroy us, and others.

But, in Christ we are more than conquerors! And, we have a great High Priest, an advocate who is our great deliverer. If you are struggling, ask Him for help. Jesus tells us to pray,
"Our Father... deliver us from evil." Matthew 6:13

Our God, is indeed Mighty to save!
So, ASK! Asking is such a powerful tool. Use it as often as you need. I do!