(October 16, 2016 at 6:49 pm)mh.brewer Wrote:(October 16, 2016 at 5:48 pm)Lek Wrote: I think that you're not distinguishing properly what the bible teaches about sinful thoughts versus temptations to sin, which are normal human reactions. We are to give ourselves to God not only physically, but also in our minds. It we go against God's desires either physically or mentally, we are going against God. I'll give an example of what I'm saying about sinning in the mind versus having normal temptations. I can meet my friend's wife and right away feel attracted to her because of her looks or whatever. At that moment I have a few choices as to how to deal with it. One is that I can admit to myself that I'm attracted to her, but leave it at that and not let it go any further. This is not sinful, but rather reacting to a normal human drive and a temptation to commit an evil act. Another way to react would be to begin trying to get close to her and try to have a physical sexual relationship with her, which would be a sinful act. A third situation would be not to try to have a physical relationship with her, but to begin fantasizing and having the physical act in my mind or really wanting to have the physical act, but staying away from her against my own will because I'm afraid of God's reaction. This is sinful in God's eyes not because are you tempted, but because you really want to act on that temptation. Your mind does not desire what God desires.
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Great, didn't give morals/guidance but does give fear. What a wonderful concept. Pass.
Yeah. My reference to fear was a negative one. My guidance is to follow God.