Everything begins from the mind and the imagination. There is no sin
or virtue that does not have its origin and beginning in the imagination of
the mind.
The first evil and sinful thought, primarily the ensuing sinful images
are the origin of all the various forms of sin. No sin takes place with actions
unless an evil thought is formed with the imagination beforehand.
In the beginning, sin approaches subtly like a sly fox. Cunningly and
quietly it assaults us and convinces us that it is nothing more than an ant,
and, consequently, it does not require attention. If the soul remains
indifferent, in following, this microscopic ant in no time turns into a
ferocious lion that cannot be tamed, and the soul is faced with a great
struggle.
First, submission to sin takes place internally, and in following it is
externalized through the body.
All the evil begins when a person gives in to his imagination and
allows sinful thoughts to prevail. When a person suffers many such
spiritual shipwrecks and is repeatedly wounded by sinful mental images,
every time the devil returns and presents similar images to the mind, man
is immediately taken captive. For this reason, it is necessary to remain
unyielding so that passions and fantasies do not take root within us and do
not become stronger.
When people reach the point of being enslaved to a passion, they
protest and state, "I cannot resist. I can't do anything during the time of
temptation." The answer is this: It is necessary to take the appropriate
measures before the mind and heart become disarmed and enslaved. We
must take the necessary precautions in order to avoid the danger; because
once we have been poisoned we are no longer able to take any action.
—by Elder Ephraim of Arizona—
