In Romans 3:23, the Apostle Paul makes it clear that all of us, believers and unbelievers alike, are sinful. Admittedly, I sometimes dare think that I have conquered my worst sins, the ones I consider the real heavy hitters such as alcohol addiction, fornication and the like. In those times, I quickly jolt back to reality and remind myself to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Spiritual warfare is real, and Satan knows his time is short.
My sinful ideations are intrusive and most often quite disturbing, and they seem to be ramping up of late. I recall something that happened years ago before my regeneration or rebirth. I was impatiently enduring a church service when suddenly a great urge came upon me to scream out, “AM I THE ONLY ONE HERE WHO WANTS A DRINK RIGHT NOW?!” Ugh … but to be expected from one living an incredibly sinful existence.
What I did not expect are the recent thoughts that have been creeping up in me, a now saved but God-fearing sinner. In all honesty, the thoughts are jarring, some quite vile, and I think, “Where in the flippity-flop did those thoughts come from?! I must not indulge them any longer!” I mentioned this in a text to a sister in Christ, and she replied, “That is the sanctification process and Satan wants to stop that. That’s why we must always be on our guard.” Awareness of all of Satan’s devices, including employing sinful thoughts, is key in defeating him and remaining in God’s good graces.
Within this lengthy sermon by Charles H. Spurgeon, I found quite a jewel:
“Beware, then, of all thoughts of sin. If you show a thief all the locks, and bolts, and bars in your house—and tell him how the cellar window could be opened, or the backdoor lock be made to give way—do not be surprised if one of these nights you should find all your goods stolen. If you do this and introduce these evil things into your habitation, you cannot wonder at the consequence, however startled your friends may be at the detection.“
Do not entertain sinful thoughts just as you would not entertain a thief!!!
