“Don't Overthink It”

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

I am in the process of beating a sin.  However, though I try and pray for strength, forgiveness, guidance, and help each day, I keep having these wrong sinful thoughts.  I keep praying they will go away, but they never do completely.  Can you help me get rid of this evil?  Thank you for your words and wisdom; God bless, and God help.

Sincerely,
Mind Over Matter

Dear Mind Over Matter,

Thinking about sin isn’t the same as sinning.  It is only when we dwell upon sinful behavior and eventually act upon those ideas that we sin.  For example, Satan put the thought of betraying Christ into Judas’ mind, but Judas didn’t sin until he took that idea, dwelt upon it, and then acted (Jhn 13:2).  Jas 1:12-15 explains that sin occurs when we allow wicked ideas that pop into our heads to become wicked lusts, and then those lusts turn into wicked actions.  You will face temptations to sin and opportunities to sin your entire life; the key is to endure the temptation (Jas 1:12), look for the way of escape (1 Cor 10:13), and master sin (Gen 4:7).  Don’t let the thoughts of sin discourage you… just make sure to subdue those thoughts and turn your mind back to God.

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