J Heinrich Arnold-Freedom from sinful thoughts.pdf

FREEDOM FROM SINFUL THOUGHTS - A U T O S U G G E S T I O Nforgetfulness has made a strong impression on us, andbecause, through that, our attention clings to the idea offorgetfulness.There is no doubt that many things enter our minds asundeveloped thought-seeds which continue to work inour subconscious long after we have dismissed themfrom our attention. One need only think of theunwanted fantasies, especially sexual ones, that besetevery person at one time or another. Often such afantasy develops from an image that originally heldone’s attention for only a brief moment. On theopposite side of the coin, we ought to remember the OldTestament story of Jacob, who kept his heart centeredon prayer to God and was blessed with the most wonderfuldream.Baudouin’s lines should be a warning to each of usabout what we fill our minds and hearts with, especiallybefore we go to sleep. I do not mean to lead the readerinto further anxiety or self-concern; too many peopleseem inclined to over-analyze themselves already. Butit is always a healthy thing to be able to face one’s ownshortcomings squarely. The Apostle Paul goes so far asto say that he who examines himself will not be judged.The important thing is that our self-judgment isaccompanied by faith in Christ, who wants to free usfrom sin. Without this faith, preoccupation with self22