CONTROL YOUR THINKING: AVOID TEMPTATION

“And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return.”—Hebrews 11:15

The writer of Hebrews clearly states that if Abraham and Sarah had been mindful of the country that they had left, then they would have been tempted to return.  However, since they were not mindful of that county, then they were not tempted to return.  In other words, the writer is clearly stating that there temptation was linked to their thoughts.  You cannot be tempted with something that you do not think about.  Therefore, control your thinking, and you can avoid temptation. 

 

Angels told Lot and his family not to look back to Sodom and Gomorrah, as it was being destroyed; however, that is just what Lot’s wife did, and she was turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). Your thoughts can cause you to yearn for the past and what you use to have; so much so, that you become dissatisfied with what you have.  By controlling your thinking, you are then able to control your actions, and you can avoid being tempted.  I have counseled people who have gotten into marriage difficulties because they kept thinking about someone other than their spouse.  Wrong thoughts led to wrong actions that caused great emotional grief for the family.  Self-control is a product of your thinking.  You cannot control your actions, by allowing yourself the luxury of thinking about things that you should not.  Because when temptation comes, you will struggle to remain faithful to God. 

God exempts no one from leaving something behind; it may not be country, but it could be a lifestyle or certain friends.  For some there are habits or hobbies that He has asked you to lay down.  The secret to walking away from them is not thinking about them all of the time.  Thinking What if? is always a faith destroyer! 

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians and said, “Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of a good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—mediate on these things.” (4:8). Today turn your thoughts from what you have left behind, to what you have to look forward to in your life in Jesus Christ.  You will discover that your positive thoughts will bring you hope instead of temptation.

Prayer—Father I purpose in my heart that today I will think your thoughts, and any negative influence I will cast down as not from You, in Jesus Name. Amen.