Go into the kitchen and fill a bowl with water.  Then add a drop of oil and see what happens.

This is exactly how impure thoughts, actions, and words work in our lives. Just like those drops of oil that spread and cloud clear water, impure influences don’t stay contained. They seep into our minds and hearts, affecting not only ourselves but also those around us. One small drop can do real harm.

I’m not naïve to think that every thought we have is positive. That is not realistic.  The purpose of writing this to you is that I want you to be aware of your thoughts and realize that you control what allow to get into your brain and what goes out of your mouth. 

Impurity, in this context, isn’t just about moral or sexual purity; it encompasses anything that tarnishes the goodness and positivity in our lives. It can start small—a negative thought, a harsh word, or a questionable action. But if left unchecked, these small impurities can grow and multiply, leading us down a path we never intended to travel.

Here’s the kicker: these impurities can become habits. Our brains are wired to form habits as a way of conserving energy. When we repeat a thought or action often enough, our brain creates a neural pathway—like a well-worn trail in a forest. The more we use this pathway, the easier it becomes to fall into that pattern of thinking or behaving.

Let’s start with impure thoughts. Our minds are powerful tools, capable of creating beautiful ideas or harboring destructive ones. When we allow impure thoughts to take root—be it jealousy, resentment, or prejudice—they don’t just sit idle; they grow. They color our perceptions, influence our decisions, and shape our actions. A biblical proverb reads: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

These thoughts often lead to impure actions. A moment of jealousy might lead to a spiteful comment; a harbored resentment might result in an act of revenge. Each impure action reinforces the impure thought, creating a cycle that becomes increasingly difficult to break. Impure comments are particularly harmful because words have power. They can build up or tear down, heal or hurt. When we speak impurely through gossip or harsh criticism we’re not just expressing our thoughts; we’re planting seeds of negativity in others.

What makes this spread of impurity so dangerous is its cumulative effect. Each impure thought, action, or word makes the next one easier. It’s like walking down a slippery slope—each step makes it harder to climb back up and easier to slide further down.

Moreover, impurity can lead us to see the world through a tainted lens. We might start assuming others have bad intentions or interpreting innocent actions as malicious. This pessimistic worldview further feeds our impure thoughts, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy where we find exactly what we’re looking for—more negativity and impurity.

The good news is that this same mechanism works for positive habits too. Just as negative thoughts and actions can become ingrained, so can positive ones. By consciously choosing to think uplifting thoughts, speak kind words, and perform good deeds, we can create beneficial neural pathways. Over time, these positive habits become second nature, making it easier for us to maintain a pure and positive mindset.

Mother Teresa serves as a powerful example of how positive thoughts and actions can create a ripple effect of goodness in the world. She dedicated her life to serving those whom society often overlooked like people living in poverty, the sick, and the marginalized. And this is in the most poor region of the entire world.  Her compassion showed us that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on others. By focusing on love and service, she demonstrated that purity of heart can spread far and wide, transforming lives in ways we might not even realize.

Her approach reminds us that impurity isn’t just about moral shortcomings; it encompasses anything that tarnishes the positivity in our lives. A negative thought or harsh word can cloud our minds just as Mother Teresa’s kindness could illuminate the darkest corners of society. She encouraged us to rise above our own limitations and embrace the potential for goodness within ourselves.

So how do we combat this spread of impurity?

It starts with vigilance. We must be aware of our thoughts and careful with our actions while being mindful of our words. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure—think about such things.”

Cultivate positivity by surrounding yourself with uplifting people and content. When negative thoughts arise, acknowledge them but don’t dwell on them. Let them go out of your mind as fast as it came in.  Replace them with positive reflections.

Be intentional about your actions by asking yourself if what you’re about to do aligns with your values and who you aspire to be. Remember that each action is either a step toward or away from becoming your best self. Watch your words carefully. Consider if what you’re about to say is true, kind, and necessary because your words hold power over others too.

Lastly, practice assuming the best intentions from those around you; when you catch yourself attributing bad motives to someone else’s behavior, pause and consider more positive explanations for their actions. But don’t be naïve either—when you know with certainty that someone does not have good intentions, it may be wise to spend your time elsewhere.

Remember that just as impurity can spread, so too can purity. Each pure thought, kind action, and uplifting word creates a ripple effect of positivity. By guarding your mind and heart against impurity, you’re not only protecting yourself but also contributing to a more positive world for everyone around you. It’s not always easy but it’s worth it.

As you navigate life’s challenges, strive to be a source purity in a world that often leans toward impurity. Your thoughts, actions, and words matter more than you know.