I remember a Halloween school carnival exhibit that required me to put my hand into a dark hole. Since it felt gross, slimy, and made my face scrunch, I was supposed to believe it was brains. Of course, that wasn’t true. Now, as an adult, my mind still believes thoughts that aren’t true!

All of us can get caught in a cycle, and without a standard, we might believe a thought that isn’t true. That one thought becomes powerful and shapes our lives.

Consider these untrue thoughts: “God could never love me or forgive me.” “I’m not complete unless I have a spouse.” “I am ugly and unacceptable.” “I don’t have to attend church.” “I can control my drinking.” “God passed over me when He gave out spiritual gifts.” “I will always have this fear. It’s just who I am.” “If I live with my boyfriend, then he will marry me.” “Everyone in my church is a hypocrite.” “I can’t understand the Bible.” And on and on this goes. One sentence. One thought. We all know people who believe one thought, and it shapes their lives. Or maybe that’s you.

Since the Bible teaches that our thoughts are powerful and influence our behavior, it is vital to keep God’s perspective using Scripture to kill the lies and shine the truth (Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:2 and more).

Romans 12:2 admonishes Christians to renew their minds. It is our choice to read and apply God’s Word and to live with a freed mind devoted to the Lord. Before I understood the way to renew my mind, I was vulnerable to everything I thought, viewed, and perceived. Often, fear ruled.

I never knew scripture was so powerful. Yes, I was familiar with Hebrews 4:12, which says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” But I never thought to apply Scripture to my mind.

But I learned. And experienced hope! Practices with scripture replaced lies with truth. The supernatural result was a pure heart and mind. Do you believe that is possible for every Christian?

The Bible says in Matthew 5:8, “ Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” A pure heart is not only possible but also rewards one with clarity to see the Spirit’s work in their life. You see, the mind informs the thoughts. If we desire a pure heart, the Spirit makes the mind pure too(Titus 1:15).

Practical Steps to a Pure Heart and Mind:

1. CHECK YOUR VIEWING – The mind is a camera with no delete option. I worked with a lady who thought it was ok to watch bad things. She said, “It’s just real life.” That is the reason not to watch. Jesus died for every sin that movie glorifies! And every image is in your mind.
2. CHILD-LIKE HEART – Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me.” (Mark10:14). I don’t think it’s a stretch to conclude that Jesus loves a child-like heart. And just as parents should protect their children from harmful content, so should we protect ourselves. Adults are accountable too.
3. CHECK IN – Are you accountable to anyone? I don’t mean you have to meet with someone every week, though that is good. But church attendance has a built-in accountability system through small groups, the sermon, the people, your friends, and any service you offer.
4. CONTENT– What about your reading? I understand reading is very personal to most readers. If you find joy in reading, you know precisely your preferences. If you need to clean up your reading mind, click “book recommendations” on this site’s menu. It’s a solid list, and all of the books will help you grow in your relationship with the Lord.
5. CRITIQUE – Does your heart house lust, fear, anger, and jealousy? All have controlling power. If you think each is harmless, you are not reading your Bible. Just like a company shareholder with a controlling interest, these sins control you if allowed to remain, excused. Excuses support every sin.
6. CONSIDER – How’s your prayer life? Nothing guarantees more peace than an ongoing conversation with the Lord. Pray for a desire to pray. And have at least one prayer time every day. Then talk to Him about a million things all through the day.

How can we get our thought life under control? Begin with Scripture. And pray to the only One who gives you the power to live free. Develop pure habits and don’t be ashamed to keep your mind pure.

Diligently working on our mind is a rewarding, lifelong and purposeful project. We can rid our minds of impure thoughts, fearful thoughts, and harmful doubts over time.

We want to be ready to stand before the Lord when He comes again.

If you want a Bible Treasure Hunt about the connection between keeping your mind pure and ready for the coming of the Lord, look up these:

I Peter 1:13, Colossians 3:2, I John 3:2-3, Luke 21:34

Wouldn’t you like to have a transformed heart and mind? Trust the Author of Scripture and read it like you life depends on it!

©Valerie Rumfelt

My story and what I did ~https://valerierumfelt.com/2025/04/25/how-to-keep-a-peaceful-mind/