Evil Imaginations

by Robert Rosskopf

Imagination without discipline is like a sailboat without rudder or sail; it is unlikely to take us anywhere that we would want to go, and very likely to shipwreck us on some lonely shore. God has warned us again and again to control our thoughts and imaginations.

"16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."
(Proverbs 6)

"And many more things did the people imagine up in their hearts, which were foolish and vain; and they were much disturbed, for Satan did stir them up to do iniquity continually; yea, he did go about spreading rumors and contentions upon all the face of the land, that he might harden the hearts of the people against that which was good and against that which should come."
(Helaman 16:22)

We are commanded instead to let our thoughts be full of virtue.

"Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven."
(D&C 121:45)