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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Nearly everyone, at some point or another, has been subject to intrusive thoughts. These involuntary, unwanted images, phrases, or impulses are extremely common. Spontaneous and intrusive thoughts ...
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Philip Davies
Supporter
I always recall Luther's comment when asked this question. He replied, "you can't stop birds flying over your head, but you can stop them making a nest in your hair." In the same way, you can't stop thoughts entering your mind, but you can stop them from dwelling there. Intrusive thoughts are not sinful; carefully nurtured and enjoyed thoughts may be. Regards Phil
Joe Glascock
Supporter
No, I don't believe that these thoughts and impulses are sin unless you dwell on them, entertain them or act on them, that's when they become sin. Just like worrying, it shows that you mistrust God. If you find yourself being hounded by them, and they are recurring, keep praying, and reading God's word. Then just as quickly as they come, there they go, especially if you keep focussed on things that are worthy: important tasks, God's word, his wonderful creatures and plants. You must renew your mind daily, pray always, and think on his word and his will.
James Munro
Supporter
Proverbs tells us that the thought of foolishness is sin. I think all these thoughts discussed are sin - can we imagine Christ having such thoughts? The great thing for us is that we who belong to Christ have forgiveness for past, present and future sins and can seek to have the mind of Christ by the sound advice of Mr. Houdmann's answer to this question.
Gregory Boldon
Supporter
Initially the sexual thought is not sinful in and of itself. There will be sights that trigger lust, but it isn't the initial point of eye contact and immediate thought. Sin occurs when you don't look away, as you should, but instead looking a second or third time, gazing and lusting with thoughts about sinful possibilities. The mores of today's society have compounded the problem of lust. They have fashioned men and women that flaunt clothing too sparse and/or too tight, causing lust and sexual sins. The Bible provides an example of the heartache, anguish and complications from acting on lust through the acts of King David when he saw a naked woman on a nearby roof but did not look away as he should have. Instead, he observes the initial sight and gazes upon her beauty envisaging sexual possibilities with her. King David follows through on this sexual impulsion with the woman named Bathsheba and she becomes pregnant. He tries to cover this transgression by arranging her husband's death and further complicates matters by marrying the widow he created. 2 Samuel 11:1 - 27 records the above events. So many dreadful sins because of taking one more look which led to gazing upon and lusting after another man's wife. May God grant us all the strength to overcome this and all other temptations. Amen
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