Question: I have bad thoughts constantly through the day, even in my prayers. I try very hard not to think about them, and even try apologizing for them, but they just come back stronger. Are they sins? How do I cope?

Answer: Simply having a thought about something evil or sinful isn’t in itself sin. We are sinful creatures, and even though God is in our lives, those thoughts are still going to enter our minds. The key is that you shouldn’t let the thoughts linger. If you continue to dwell on a sinful thought, then it becomes a sin. For example, if an image of a beautiful woman comes into your mind, that isn’t a sin. But if you allow that image to linger, and you begin desiring the woman, then it becomes lust, and that’s a sin.

So how do you prevent a negative thought from becoming a sin? As soon as something negative or sinful or evil comes into your mind, ask the Lord to take it away. Then become proactive by thinking about something honorable and worthwhile.

Philippians 4:8 offers this advice:

Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Notice that thinking about these good things isn’t automatic. We have to take the initiative and fix our thoughts on them.

The best way to fix your thoughts on these good things is to read the Bible. You know the old saying, “Garbage in, garbage out?” Well, if you are allowing negative and evil images to come into your mind through your eyes, then that’s what you’re going to think about. But if you are intentional about bringing God’s Word into your mind through your eyes (or your ears, if you are listening to it), then that’s what you’re going to think about.

Remember, you are what you think about, so think about good things!