I discussed how one can pray through past hurts to live more effectively in the present and future. People want their pastors to provide practical guidelines in the counseling process. Helping counselees admit they have problems with temptation is a significant first step in this process. For some, to acknowledge they struggle with temptation is seen as spiritual weakness or a character flaw. To be tempted is not sin.
Wise believers seek to discern the origin of their thoughts.
Eternal life emanates from the person of Christ. It impacts the mind to stimulate the brain to think in terms of urges, thoughts, fantasies, and ideas that enhance and develop one's divine potential. Conversely, sin emanates from the person of Satan and impacts the mind to stimulate the brain to think in terms of urges, thoughts, fantasies, and ideas that detract from God's divine ideal and develops the enemy's destructive potential. Thus, the very act of thinking can potentially involve spiritual warfare. Take time to discern the thoughts and intents of your heart.