5 Ways to Control Your Thoughts


5 Ways to Control Your Thoughts


Do you ever find yourself wondering if something you are doing is a sin? I’m not talking about the biggies, like those described in the big 10, or the ones that everyone seems to understand are just plain wrong.

I am talking about the small, imperceptible things that weigh on you during those quiet moments when you are alone and let your guard down. When the deceiver whispers lies into your ear and you take notice for a nanosecond. Is that a sin?

I’m thinking about those times when you walk past a woman and notice that she is beautiful. When you pass a sports car and appreciate the sleekness, the form, and the speed. When you see a billboard for the lottery displaying some ridiculously large amount of money and you suddenly realize how incredible empty your checking account has become. Is that a sin?

I am talking about those times when you notice the Facebook posts about an event that your friend’s child is attending which costs more than you could afford. When you wonder why God didn’t give you that new job. When you think for just a moment that you might have to find your own way because God just hasn’t provided enough. Is that sin?

Are thoughts sinful? I believe that there is a chasm of difference between the act of sin and that fleeting moment of temptation when you mentally consider something and then toss it aside because you know that to act on it would indeed be sin.

Appreciating the beauty of a woman is not sinful, but lingering on that beauty to the point of wishing that she were yours is sin. Wishing you had that sleek sports car or more money is not a sin, but allowing the thought of it to create sadness because you don’t or depression because of your own personal circumstances is sin. Thoughts are not sinful in and of themselves, but when those thoughts become lust or greed or envy or a passion that is unquenchable then our thoughts become sinful.

How do you control your thoughts and not allow them to turn from a simple thought into a sin?

Learn His Word


“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11

This seems overly simple, but the best strategy is to have a plan in place before you are faced with any situation. God’s Word gives us that plan. Get into the Word of God and learn it well enough that you can instantly pull from it when faced with temptation. Just as Jesus did when He was tempted (Matthew 4).

Trust His Name


“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7

Learning about God through His Word will help you to see why you can trust Him. God has made us many promises and He is faithful to fulfill those. God will take care of you (Luke 12:22-24) because He loves you (John 3:16) and He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

Follow His Teaching


“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)

Learning to trust God should lead us to follow His teachings. This verse from Proverbs warns us to guard our hearts because the longing of our hearts are fed by our thoughts. How do we guard against unwanted thoughts? By avoiding places that fuel those thoughts. Avoid visuals that create lustful thoughts. Avoid conversations that cause you to become negative, depressed, or angry. Avoid time alone with individuals that weaken your ability to guard your heart.

Show His Love


“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, that whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Spending less time thinking about yourself and more time thinking about others will help to keep your thoughts from turning toward sinful things. Find some tangible way to help others and you will probably begin to see how blessed you truly are.

Join His People


“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Don’t try to go it alone. Get involved in a local church. Together you can encourage each other and hold each other accountable.

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