Thought Habits
225
and are not easily banished. Satan has his evil angels around us, and
though they cannot read men’s thoughts, they closely watch their words
and actions. Satan takes advantage of the weaknesses and defects of
character that are thus revealed and presses his temptations where
there is the least power of resistance. He makes evil suggestions and
inspires worldly thoughts, knowing that he can thus bring the soul
into condemnation and bondage. To those who are selfish, worldly,
avaricious, proud, faultfinding, or given to detraction—to all who
are cherishing errors and defects of character—Satan presents the
indulgence of self and leads the soul off upon a track that the Bible
condemns, but which he makes appear attractive.
For every class of temptations there is a remedy. We are not left
to ourselves to fight the battle against self and our sinful natures in
our own finite strength. Jesus is a mighty helper; a never-failing
support.... The mind must be restrained and not allowed to wander.
It should be trained to dwell upon the Scriptures and upon noble,
elevating themes. Portions of Scripture, even whole chapters, may
be committed to memory, to be repeated when Satan comes in with
his temptations.... When Satan would lead the mind to dwell upon
earthly and sensual things, he is most effectually resisted with, “It is
written.”—
The Review and Herald, April 8, 1884
.
The Only Security Is Right Thinking—We need a constant sense
of the ennobling power of pure thoughts and the damaging influence
of evil thoughts. Let us place our thoughts upon holy things. Let them
be pure and true, for the only security for any soul is right thinking.
We are to use every means that God has placed within our reach for
the government and cultivation of our thoughts. We are to bring our
minds into harmony with His mind. His truth will sanctify us, body
and soul and spirit.—Lt 123, 1904.
[660]
Dwelling on Frivolous Things—We should endeavor to have our
minds in that condition where we can receive the impressions of the
Holy Spirit. But they cannot receive increased light who allow their
thoughts to run constantly upon frivolous things. The mind should be
stored with heavenly treasure, with food that will enable us to grow
spiritually, and thus prepare us for a holy heaven.—MS 51, 1912. (
Our
High Calling, 284
.)
Provision Made to Elevate Thoughts—God has made every pro-
vision whereby our thoughts may become purified, elevated, refined,