Article May 11, 2020 Issue

Break free from unwanted thoughts and attractions

Name Withheld

Sinful thoughts are like scam phone calls—easy to reject when we know they’re not legitimate. But it isn’t always easy to recognize these intruders for what they are. Why? Because impure, sensual, or hateful suggestions tend to come disguised as our own thinking.

Let me share an example. When my son was starting his last year of high school, I was asked to tutor in my home a boy slightly older than my son. My heart went out to this teen, who couldn’t read and who’d had many challenges in his life. I loved having the opportunity to help.

After some weeks, though, I began to notice uncomfortable feelings during our times sitting next to each other. I realized I was physically attracted to him, and I was horrified. How could I fall prey to something so counter to what I held valuable and right?

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