mental images

[gringo300]

Years ago, I let mental images into my mind that I had no business letting into my mind.

My excuse was "What I've let into my mind is no worse that the condition of the physical world around me.". Well, in some senses that was true. However, I realize now that isn't a valid excuse.

Now, I constantly struggle to keep such mental images out. When I let my guard down- THAT'S when something gets in.

I told myself many times "The danger has passed.". Then I let my guard down... and learned the hard way I was wrong about the danger being past.

[Slug1]

Sounds like you need to seek the Lord's help in what it will take to keep that Shield of Faith held up and to know when to loose the Sword of the Spirit... quicker ;)

[Pilgrimtozion]

In the '80s, Petra wrote a song called "Computer Brains". Here follows a copy of the lyrics:

Everything that you do and see, one more event in your memory
Every bit takes another bite without control over wrong or right
You must screen every entry made, the consequences must be weighed
The only way to security is every thought in captivity

Computer Brains, put garbage in
Computer Brains, get garbage out
Computer Brains, programming you
Computer Brains, what can you do Break out

Are you a user or being used; has your memory been abused
Take random samples from your mind and analyze what you may find

You can clear all memory and be transformed when you find the key
Think on the things that will bring you peace, confusing data soon will cease

The key in my estimation lies in the last line of that song. You've put garbage in and as long as you keep putting garbage in, garbage will keep coming out. On the other hand, if you start thinking on things that will bring you peace, obeying Philippians 4, and not exposing yourself to detrimental things, you will find it becomes easier and easier to put away mental images.

Just remember that you can control what you do with a thought - you have a choice.

[gringo300]

The way I look at things is:

The physical universe is in a state of war between good and evil.

I told myself in the past that what was in my mind was no worse than the condition of the physical universe itself.

The deal here is, we're supposed to be FIGHTING AGAINST the evil corrupting the physical universe around us.

How can a person fight evil in the external physical universe if they won't even fight to keep it out of their own mind?

I've concluded that fighting to keep evil out of one's own mind and fighting evil in the external physical universe are two sides of the same coin. You can't effectively do either one without doing the other.

[RedBird777]

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[c (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=56&chapter=6&version=50#fen-NKJV-29344c)] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV

These evil thoughts are your enemy. This enemy needs to be destroyed. The Word of God (the Bible) is your sword. Use it! When these thoughts come in your mind, have a memory verse ready in mind that is useful. Or just pick up your Bible. If you have a bad time remembering things, then pray a quick prayer to God to get those evil thoughts out of your mind.
Also, demons are REAL. Banish them in the name of our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. Demand the demon(s) to get out of your mind and body! Through the power of God, and His great word, you will banish these thoughts!
Another thing you can do is open that part of your mind to God, and let Him clean it out. An intimate relationship with our LORD is essential for this - confess these thoughts and tell God that these thoughts are His enemy. If you are for God, then who (or what) can be against you?

Now this is not to say you will never have these thoughts again, but you will be better equipped and your heart will be more in God's hands.