When Impure Thoughts Pop Up…
Even the most holy of people cannot stop random impure thoughts from popping into their heads. Rest assured that you have not sinned if an uninvited impure thought pops up out of nowhere. Here are some practical tips to deal with these inopportune thoughts:
Avoid autopilot. Many people fall into the sin of lust because they are bored. NEVER PUT YOURSELF IN THE SITUATION OF MINDLESS WEB SEARCHING! This might mean temporarily avoiding the Internet for a while.
Give the videogames a rest. Videogames may actually hinder your ability to re-wire your brain from the never-ending novelty of Internet porn. Turn the videogames off and go outside.
Rest assured that temptations will decrease as your relationship with God increases. If you find success be careful that you aren’t tempted into pride. That is the Devil trying to regain a foothold in your life. Don’t let him back in.
You’re less likely to stumble when you’re sober and humble.
“For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11
Even the most holy of people cannot stop random impure thoughts from popping into their heads. Rest assured that you have not sinned if an uninvited impure thought pops up out of nowhere. Here are some practical tips to deal with these inopportune thoughts:
- Fast forward the impure thought.
- Mentally visualize a red line crossing out the image. Some have also visualized an annoying buzzer noise when the image is crossed out.
- Imagine the thought as a picture and quickly visualize the image burning up.
- Touch a holy reminder like a blessed metal or a rosary.
- Bless yourself with Holy Water.
- Do some exercises like squats or push-ups. This will divert your attention and blood flow to your muscles.
- Visualize your funeral. Although it may seem odd, visualizing death can force us to remember the weakness of the flesh.
Avoid autopilot. Many people fall into the sin of lust because they are bored. NEVER PUT YOURSELF IN THE SITUATION OF MINDLESS WEB SEARCHING! This might mean temporarily avoiding the Internet for a while.
Give the videogames a rest. Videogames may actually hinder your ability to re-wire your brain from the never-ending novelty of Internet porn. Turn the videogames off and go outside.
Rest assured that temptations will decrease as your relationship with God increases. If you find success be careful that you aren’t tempted into pride. That is the Devil trying to regain a foothold in your life. Don’t let him back in.
You’re less likely to stumble when you’re sober and humble.
“For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11