How to Overcome Mental Sin

Christian young men often find themselves struggling with sins of the mind. Typically, a young man may find himself in this battle because he has been involved in viewing pornographic material or has participated in other types of sexual sin. The spiritual battle of the mind can be one of the most difficult battles to win.

However, when a young man finds himself in this battle, it may also mean that he has already overcome some of the previous battles against sexual sin that were raging in his life, and now he has come up against another area that must be conquered.

Though it may seem impossible at times, this is a battle that can be won in the Christian life. Below are some practical helps that can help a young man prepare, arm, and strengthen himself against the attacks of the Devil on his mind.

1. Recognize Mental Sin for What It Is

First, it is essential that the believer recognize mental fornication as sin. He will not overcome it if he approaches it as though it is somehow acceptable or harmless.

It is important to understand how serious this sin is. Jesus made this clear when He said:

Matthew 5:28 — “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”

Sexual thoughts directed toward someone other than one's spouse are sinful. At the same time, it is important to understand that temptation itself is not the same as choosing to entertain a sinful thought. The battle begins when an immoral thought enters the mind; we must choose not to dwell on it or allow it to take root.

2. Arm Yourself Spiritually

Once that is settled, it is time to begin the battle. The second thing we must do to overcome mental sin is to arm ourselves spiritually.

Remember the instruction of Ephesians 6:10:

“Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”

To spiritually arm yourself, begin your day by committing yourself and your day to the Lord and asking for His help.

You might pray something like:

“Lord, I know that I will be tempted to think wrongly today. Please help me to have my heart prepared so that I will not give in to temptation. Help me to think on things that are pleasing to You and to honor You with my mind.”

Praying specifically about your day can prepare you for the temptations you will face. I encourage you to pray very specifically. You know what tempts you. You know what you are struggling with.

Pray about it!

3. Saturate Your Heart With God's Word

After praying, saturate your heart with God's Word. Read your Bible every day. Think about what you read. Choose some truth from your reading to meditate on throughout the day.

Memorize verses that you can turn to when you are under attack. God's Word gives you something to fill your mind with when temptation tries to take control.

Here are several passages that would be good to memorize and meditate upon:

• Psalm 119:9

• Psalm 119:11

• 1 Corinthians 10:13

• 2 Timothy 2:22

• James 4:7

• Matthew 26:41

Don't simply read these verses. Hide them in your heart. When temptation comes, you want God's Word to be readily available in your mind.

4. Have a Fire Escape Plan

Anytime you are in a commercial building, you will likely see a diagram on the wall showing you where to go if there is a fire. It is a fire escape plan.

The Christian needs a spiritual fire escape plan.

Because you cannot consciously dwell on two things at the same time, it is important to have a plan for where you will direct your mind when you are tempted to think immoral thoughts.

Your plan might be to immediately begin reflecting on a verse of Scripture you have memorized. It might be to turn your mind to something from your devotional reading that morning. It might mean getting up and leaving the situation that is contributing to the temptation.

Perhaps your plan will be to get around other people and interact with them rather than sitting alone and dwelling on the tempting thought.

Whatever your plan looks like, have a plan before the temptation comes.

Temptation may come when an immoral thought crosses your mind. But you do not have to welcome that thought, entertain it, or allow it to remain.

Martin Luther is often credited with expressing the idea this way:

“You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair.”

You may not be able to prevent every thought from entering your mind, but you can choose what you do with that thought.

That is why it is important to have a plan and commit yourself to following that plan every time an immoral thought comes.

You Can Have Victory

I hope these thoughts are helpful to you. More importantly, I want to encourage you: you can have victory over immoral thoughts through the power of Christ.

Do not become discouraged if victory does not come overnight. This will likely be a process. There may be times when you stumble, but that does not mean you have to quit fighting.

Continue to pray. Continue to fill your mind with God's Word. Continue to remove yourself from situations that feed temptation. Continue to seek the Lord.

With God's help, discipline, and consistency, you can see victory.

The battle may be difficult, but you do not have to fight it alone.