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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I am a Christian, but I disagree with others who say that thinking a bad thought is as bad as doing it. There’s no way this can be true, yet many stand on this as an absolute truth. How can this be? – T.D.

A: Robert Browning said, “Thought is the soul of the act.” Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Thought is the seat of action, the ancestor of every action is thought.”

Many people dream of sin, imagine sin, and if granted the opportunity indulge in sin. All they lack is the occasion to sin. So in the sight of God, they are sinners as great as though they had committed immorality. All transgression begins with sinful thinking. Solomon said, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7, NKJV). If our thoughts are evil, then our acts will be evil. If our thoughts are godly, then our lives will be godly.

God destroyed the world during Noah’s time for its continual evil imaginations. Is it not reasonable to believe that all the sin, lust, and licentiousness rampant today grieves God’s heart just as it did in that day?

We must understand that Satan’s purpose is to steal the seed of truth from our hearts and his method is by sending distracting thoughts. The difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is this: Though they both may have good and evil thoughts, Christ will give His followers strength to select the right rather than the wrong. How does He strengthen us? Through fellowship with Him which comes by the reading of Scripture and spending time in prayer, obeying Him as He guides and directs our thoughts, actions, and steps. “They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right” (Romans 2:15, NLT).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2024 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2024 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.