Cleanse Your Mind, Embrace The Bible

The Bible contains several references to the idea of not polluting one's mind, emphasizing the importance of purity and righteousness. For instance, in Numbers 35:33, it is written, Do not pollute the land where you are. Bloodshed pollutes the land, and atonement cannot be made for the land on which blood has been shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. This verse underscores the notion that actions can contaminate both the physical land and the spiritual realm, requiring sacrifice for redemption. Similarly, Leviticus 18:25 states, For the land has become defiled, therefore I have brought its punishment upon it, so the land has spewed out its inhabitants...the men of the land who have been before you have done all these [sexual] abominations, and the land has become defiled. This passage highlights the consequences of moral corruption, suggesting that impurity leads to expulsion. These, and other verses, provide a foundation for Christians to maintain a pure mind, free from corrupting influences, and to strive for righteousness in their thoughts and actions.

Scripture reveals that we were spiritual beings before our birth

The idea that we were spiritual beings before our birth is a topic of debate among Christians. Some people interpret certain Bible verses as suggesting that we existed in spirit form before we were born. For example, Jeremiah 1:5 says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I sanctified you, I ordained you a prophet to the nations". This could be interpreted as God having knowledge of us before our physical conception.

Another interpretation of this verse is that God, being eternal, omnipresent, and omniscient, exists outside of time and therefore has foreknowledge of all things, including our existence, even before we are formed in the womb. This idea is supported by other verses such as Isaiah 42:9, Isaiah 46:10, and Daniel 2:28, which speak of God's foreknowledge and ability to reveal secrets.

Additionally, Jesus himself distinguishes between his preexistence "from above" (in heaven) and the origin "from below" of the Pharisees (on Earth). The apostle Paul agrees with Jesus, stating that "the natural body comes first, then the spiritual" (1 Corinthians 15:46-47). Paul also agrees that Jesus is the only person from heaven, stating that the "first man", Adam, is of the earth, while the "second man", Jesus, is the Lord from heaven.

However, others argue that the Bible does not support the idea of preexistence. They believe that the soul of man did not exist in any form before conception and that the verse in Jeremiah is referring to God's foreknowledge and omniscience rather than a pre-existing spiritual state.

Ultimately, the interpretation of these verses is up to the individual, and Christians may have varying beliefs on the topic of preexistence and the spiritual state before birth.

Alcoholics and drug abusers regret experimenting to satisfy curiosity

Alcoholics and drug abusers often look back with regret on their early days of drinking and drug experimentation. The initial stages of substance use are driven by curiosity and the desire to fit in or satisfy a sense of maturity. However, what starts as social drinking or mild drug experimentation can quickly escalate into a harmful pattern of substance abuse.

The Bible warns against polluting one's mind with impure thoughts and influences. Similarly, the gradual infiltration of mind-polluting substances can have detrimental effects on an individual's well-being and their ability to make sound decisions. Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug addiction, is a chronic brain disease characterized by a cycle of binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative affect, and preoccupation/anticipation. The repeated activation of this cycle leads to dramatic changes in brain function, particularly in the basal ganglia, the extended amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex.

As a result, individuals struggling with addiction experience a decreased ability to control their substance use, heightened incentive salience, and reduced sensitivity in brain systems involved in pleasure and reward. This neurobiological framework helps explain why some individuals transition from casual substance use to a severe substance use disorder or addiction. The negative emotions and physical illness associated with withdrawal further reinforce the addictive cycle, making it challenging for individuals to break free without professional help and support.

The regret expressed by alcoholics and drug abusers stems from recognizing the harm caused during their active addiction, both to themselves and to those around them. Many individuals in recovery from addiction experience remorse and strive to make amends for their past actions. They work to heal relationships, break harmful patterns, and rebuild their lives by gaining a deeper understanding of the underlying causes of their addiction and developing healthier coping strategies.

The public attitude against smut has gradually been lulled

The public attitude towards smut has gradually softened. The proliferation of social media platforms like BookTok and Bookstagram has contributed to the normalisation of "smutty" books, which often contain explicit or adult scenes. This trend is not limited to social media, with authors such as Colleen Hoover and Ana Huang achieving commercial success and mainstream recognition for their romance novels.

This gradual shift in public attitude can also be observed in other forms of media. Films that would have been considered unacceptable by societal standards just a few years ago are now deemed acceptable for public viewing. Similarly, reading lists recommended by public schools today may have been classified as inappropriate by previous generations.

The increasing accessibility of explicit content has led to a desensitisation among consumers. The ease of accessing such content through a simple flip of a switch or a click of a button has resulted in a state of mild resistance towards smut. This is evident in the varying definitions and interpretations of smut, with some arguing that the presence of sexual content alone does not warrant the "smut" label.

However, it is important to note that this gradual shift in public attitude does not imply universal acceptance. Some individuals still view the consumption of smut in public as impolite or inappropriate, especially if it involves overtly sexual content. Additionally, there are concerns about the inclusion of sexual scenes in young adult literature, with debates surrounding the appropriate balance between literary authenticity and the potential negative impact on younger readers.

Despite these conflicting perspectives, the public attitude towards smut has undeniably undergone a transformation. The once vehement opposition has softened, and society finds itself in a state of muted resistance, indicating a significant shift in societal norms and values.

God-fearing citizens banding together can turn the trend around

God-fearing citizens can band together to turn the trend of polluting their minds and the world around. The Bible says that we are to care for the earth and its creatures, as seen in Psalm 8:6, Genesis 1:28-30, Psalm 115:16, and Proverbs 12:10, which states, "The righteous man cares for the health of his animal." Additionally, Numbers 35:33 instructs, "Do not pollute the land where you are. Bloodshed pollutes the land, and atonement cannot be made for the land on which blood has been shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it."

God-fearing citizens should also be mindful of the pollution of their minds, as it can weaken not only individuals but also their families, churches, and nations. By allowing questionable and objectionable content into our homes and communities, we risk numbing our senses and accepting things that are incompatible with God's kingdom. President Heber J. Grant wisely said, "That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do; not that the nature of the thing itself has changed, but the power to do is increased."

To turn the trend around, God-fearing citizens can take several fundamental steps. Firstly, they can choose to reject mind-polluting material and instead fill their minds with God's word and teachings. They can also follow the example set by leaders like President Harold B. Lee, ensuring that the material they consume aligns with God's standards. Additionally, citizens can unite to create a stronger resistance against objectionable content in their communities and advocate for higher standards in schools and public media.

By banding together and taking these steps, God-fearing citizens can make a significant impact and contribute to a positive change in the world. They can strengthen their churches, families, and nations by keeping their minds pure and unpolluted, reflecting God's love and commandments in their daily lives. As Mark 12:30-31 states, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength... Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these."

The Bible says we are to care for the earth and its creatures

The Bible offers many insights and instructions on how to live a righteous life, and among these teachings is the importance of caring for the Earth and all its creatures. This is because God created the Earth, and it belongs to Him, as stated in Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it".

The Earth and its creatures are God's creation, and as such, we are to be stewards of this creation and not abuse or neglect it. This means that we should not exploit animals or the environment for our gain, as this would be neglecting our duty of care. We should also be mindful of our impact on the planet, as God intended for the Earth to be a place of harmony where all creatures can thrive together.

There are many practical ways to care for the Earth, and these can be informed by our faith. For example, we can reduce our meat intake, which is beneficial for both our health and the planet, as intensive animal farming contributes to climate change. We can also say no to activities that exploit animals, such as elephant rides or SeaWorld. By being mindful of our impact and making small changes, we can better care for God's creation and honour His wishes.

The Bible also teaches us about the power of our thoughts and the importance of guarding our minds from pollution. Elder LeGrand Richards and President Harold B. Lee have both spoken about the dangers of allowing impure or questionable material to enter our minds. This can include pornography, alcohol, drugs, or even violent and objectionable media. By being careful about what we expose ourselves to, we can keep our minds pure and focused on God's teachings.

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