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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
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
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
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
The initial thought is not sinful in and of itself. Sin enters when a person dwells on and/or contemplates the possibilities of the thought or thoughts. For example, in the present day and age unless you walk with your eyes closed, there are any number of scantily clad women with too much skin showing that might cause one to stumble unintentionally and go beyond a glance. The problem is, while you are likely to see sights that will trigger lust, it isn't the first glance that is sinful. Sin occurs when you look a second or third time and/or you find yourself gazing and then wondering if there is any chance of making a connection with the woman, or just plain old fantasizing about the possibilities of what you and she might be able to do. How I hate the comment "It's okay if I look. I' m not going to do anything!" King David fell victim to his lust by not just seeing Bathsheba on the nearby roof, but by following the first look with gazing upon her as a beautiful woman, and then following his desire to have sex with her. King David then goes to the extreme, trying to cover this transgression as he arranges for the husband's death and then marries the widow he created. 2 Samuel records the events that take place because of King David's coveting of another man's wife. 2 Samuel 11:1 - 27 ESV. So many and terrible sins from taking one more look, gazing, and lusting after another man's wife. And yes, women can and do fall prey to such thoughts; they are not immune to the temptations the world provides through women AND men. I pray that God will help me to withstand such thoughts and/or other thoughts that can cause me to sin.
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