Man is not just a spirit; he is also endowed with a soul. “Nephesh” is the Hebrew word most often translated as “soul.” It is the equivalent of the Greek word “Psyche,” found in the Septuagint and also used in the New Testament. Understanding the meaning of this word is important since it is the matrix of our emotions, desires, fears, and even our thoughts.

Indeed, everything you have ever seen and heard is recorded on the hard drive called the soul. It is important to note that the soul records not only good things but also bad ones, and it is sometimes difficult to delete the bad files from the hard drive. However, you can reduce the number of new harmful files stored and manage to create more good files.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23

The expression “above all else” only translates something essential. You must remember that every person has a task that should be at the top of their list of concerns: protecting themselves against everything the world or the enemy can use to pollute their thoughts. Do not provide the enemy with ammunition he can use against you. Luther said:

“You cannot prevent birds from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building a nest in your hair.”

Man’s greatest battle is the battle of thoughts because whoever loses in the battle of thoughts is already losing the physical one. A person who materializes something in their mind has already reproduced it on earth by fifty percent.

I propose a little exercise. Follow my instructions: do not think of a lion. I repeat: do not visualize a giant, imposing savannah lion near you, ready to attack you. Do not think of the lion! … What have I just done? Did I help you not think of the lion? No, on the contrary, I encouraged you to think of it!

Now, visualize your favorite dessert (chocolate cake, tiramisu, strawberry tart, fruit salad, waffle with whipped cream…) Think about this appetizing dessert! … OK? What happened for a few moments? You completely forgot about the lion until you read it again just now! Do you understand?

You opened a breach within your soul, you selected the recent image or sequence of images recalling the beast and the desserts, and you directly selected the same type of sensation in your body. Isn’t it fascinating to see how all the senses of the body manage to be connected to a word you searched for in your mind or soul?

The human soul is not an empty space; it is always filled with something that it can repress at any time. How to deal with bad thoughts? Resisting certain thoughts is useless; because when you say “I do not want to think of a lion,” in fact, you are already thinking about it! Remember this: It is useless to resist or persist against anything! The best method is to replace certain thoughts with others. Only pure thoughts can replace impure ones.

When bad thoughts arise, you have the choice to cultivate them, ruminate on them, reject them, correct them, or replace them with thoughts that please God.

The enemy also infiltrates thoughts through many means, notably through the lust of the eyes. Learning to cultivate good thoughts and reject bad ones is an act of faith that requires determination. If you hesitate, it is already off to a bad start! How many people have abandoned their faith, backslid, and left God’s work because of thoughts? How many marriages have been destroyed because of simple fantasies nurtured and entertained in the soul? Adultery starts in the thoughts, and marriage is not an escape from impurity.

You must refuse everything that can compromise your thoughts, even if it means distancing yourself from what puts you in danger. You are protected by Christ, but the best way to protect yourself against the enemy’s tricks and attacks is to give him no access.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, think about such things.” Paul invites us to fix and concentrate our thoughts while emphasizing what is pure.” Philippians 4:8 (…)

This text is an excerpt from the book “HOW DID THE HEROES FALL?” written by Paul Zozo Minu.

We invite you to read the following article “Having Faith in a Faithful God.”

Mind. Mind.