Thoughts on Thoughts

 When I came to Christ I had some bad habits that needed changing.  The bad habits that were fairly easy to change were the outward actions that were obviously contrary to the Gospel.  If it were the case that I used to steal, I stopped stealing.  Simple enough.  Does this mean that I am now holy, because I have stopped sinning through outward actions?  Probably not.  There are levels to the spiritual life and ceasing from sinful outer actions is one of the easier levels.

In Orthodoxy there is a technical term from the Greek language for evil thoughts, and that word is Logismoi.  Controlling our outward actions is of course not that difficult, but to control our thoughts is a struggle.  Well, it is for me at least.  You, my beloved reader, are completely holy and pure and would never allow Logismoi to occupy your mind.  Of course!  In the Philokalia the Fathers relate that in order to defend ourselves from Logismoi we must be watchful as Christ so often admonishes us in the Gospel.  Here are some examples.

    "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come."  Matthew 24:42

    "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation."  Matthew 26:41

    "And what I say unto you I say unto all, watch."  Mark 13:37

I am comforted by these words.  These words show the Lord's care for us.  Now if only I could put them into practice!

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