The Control Tower of Purity: Taking Charge of Our Thoughts and Desires

 

Our minds are the control tower of our lives. Every decision, action, and relationship takes flight—or crashes—based on what we think, focus on, and dwell in. This is especially true when it comes to sexual desires, whether heterosexual or homosexual. While the world wants to draw distinctions between these desires, the Word of God makes no such exception—both are outside of God’s design when they fall outside the covenant of biblical marriage. Both need to be brought under Christ's authority and truth.

Let’s be honest: the battle doesn’t begin in the body. It starts in the mind. What we choose to entertain in our thoughts will eventually determine how we live, who we connect with, and how we relate to God and others.

What we focus on most will shape our direction in life. Our inputs shape our outputs. What are we feeding our minds? Is it television, YouTube, social media, music, or even half-truths spoken by others in the name of God? If we're not constantly checking those inputs against the unchanging standard of God’s Word, we are vulnerable to being deceived.

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
—Colossians 3:1–2, ESV

Our thought life is not neutral. We are either renewing our minds in truth or conforming to a world of lies. And lust—whether emotional, visual, or physical—is one of the loudest lies.

Love is holy, patient, pure, and giving. Lust is impatient, destructive, demanding, and selfish.

Love builds up, lust tears down.

Love waits, lust takes.

Love honors, lust manipulates.

Love reflects God, lust reflects sin.

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
—Colossians 3:5, ESV

The old line, "If you love me, you’ll do ____,” is not love—it’s manipulation. True love never asks someone to sin. If someone is asking you to step into impurity, emotionally or physically, that person does not truly love you. They are seeking to gratify themselves, not honor God or protect your heart.

It’s easy to say, “I can’t help what I think about.” But that’s a lie straight from the enemy. Satan wants you to believe you’re powerless so he can continue playing the same corrupt tapes in your mind.

“In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel...”
—2 Corinthians 4:4, ESV

Even believers can be deceived if they’re not vigilant. Satan doesn’t always attack our actions first—he attacks our thoughts, our past, our insecurities, and our identity.

The truth? You are not a victim of your thoughts. You are the gatekeeper of your mind. With the Holy Spirit, you have the power to shut the door on sin and open the door to righteousness.

Here is a powerful reminder of how one thought can shape a destiny:

Sow a thought and reap an action.
Sow an action and reap a habit.
Sow a habit and reap a character.
Sow a character and reap a destiny.

Unseen thoughts always produce visible consequences. What you put into your mind—through images, music, conversations, memories, or fantasies—will bear fruit in how you act, live, and relate to others.

This is why Scripture warns us:

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
—2 Corinthians 10:5, ESV

You can reject thoughts that do not line up with God’s Word. You can filter them through His truth.

Ask Yourself These Questions:

• Where will this thought lead me?

• Will this thought build me up or tear me down?

• Is this thought in line with God’s Word?

• Would I be ashamed to share this thought out loud?

• Do I feel convicted or at peace about this thought?

• Is this thought going to help me love with purity—or stir lust that leads to harm?

The Holy Spirit is our helper. He brings conviction—not condemnation—and gives us strength to walk in purity and honor, not defeat and deception.

When sexual desires—whether heterosexual or homosexual—arise outside of God’s design, we do not have to surrender to them. We can choose to set our minds on what is pure. We can choose to love rightly and reject lust’s counterfeit.

But what do we do when these thoughts suddenly enter our minds?

We respond—not by shaming ourselves, but by taking action and applying God’s truth. Here’s how:

• Ask yourself hard questions:

  • Where will this thought lead me?

  • Is it in line with God’s Word?

  • Will it build me up or tear me down?

  • Would I be embarrassed to share it out loud?

  • Am I being honest with myself—or justifying sin?

• Memorize and speak Scripture:

  • Fill your heart and mind with truth so that when lies creep in, you can confront them with the sword of the Spirit.

  “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” —Psalm 119:11, ESV

• Reach out to a trusted friend or accountability partner:

  • Don't struggle in silence. Let someone walk with you, someone who is spiritually mature and available to pray with you and remind you of God’s truth.

  “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” —James 5:16, ESV

• Pray for strength and guidance continually:

  • God does not despise our weakness—He meets us there. Every time temptation comes, turn it into a moment of prayer and trust.

  “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” —Matthew 26:41, ESV

“For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” —2 Corinthians 4:11, ESV

Jesus didn’t just come to save us from the penalty of sin—He came to free us from its power. Through His Spirit, we can live with self-control, honor, and joy.

Let your mind—your control tower—be governed by the Holy Spirit. Take charge of your thoughts. Reject the lie that you are powerless. God has given you every resource in Christ to live with boldness, purity, and victory.