![maxresdefault(1).jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmUBBpcCYvcTXzkAychAD1cMzgGVo5oon7P5ko92HJotTV/maxresdefault(1).jpg)
[Source](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nXWagIXStbk)

In the world today, there are so many people that struggle with controlling their thoughts. As Christians, controlling our thought is very essential to grow spiritually. In **Proverbs 4:23**
>"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

There is a popular saying that "for every sin we commit, we commit twice, once in our **thoughts** and then our **actions**. Living a righteous life is easier when we fight the basic thought level first rather than allow the thoughts to take roots in our lives by pondering over it. 
![Temptation.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmdzXPoyJC1Dar4QXHNtJxZEUGs2mgMvAbenKAkdPaGb7s/Temptation.jpg)
[Source](http://www.youdiscovertruth.com/wk-5-day-1-true-faith-temptations-james-113-20/)

# **Difference between Temptation and Sin**

Very many Christians still think been tempted is a sin or they do not know the difference between temptation and sin. Been tempted means a thought entering into your mind and sin is when you ponder over an evil thought and dwelling on the thoughts. 
When Joseph was in the House of Potiphar, he was tempted by Potiphar's wife. If Joseph had told Potiphar's wife to allow him to think about her request, he would have thought of his short term benefit of getting a release and probably sin against God. When we create an bad habit in our thought by thinking about it, it is difficult to change that habit.


# **Controlling Our Thoughts**
 Controlling our thought is not easy but the Bible is epitome of knowledge and there are Biblical suggestions on controlling them.

![bible-750x406(1).jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmcYxpFbWtbEJP1bkvWzkvZqBCCVyDZaLLAU5k89vWLKjz/bible-750x406(1).jpg)
[Source](http://dailyguideafrica.com/gods-word-you-have/)

* God's word makes it easier for us to overcome bad thoughts. God's word makes it easier for us to know what to do. In the wilderness, when Jesus was tempted by the devil, he responded with the scriptures. These expressed the importance of believing in God. **Matthew 4: 4-6**
>But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.
Then the devil took Him into the holy city and placed Him on [b]a turret (pinnacle, [c]gable) of the temple [d]sanctuary.
And he said to Him, If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, He will give His angels charge over you, and they will bear you up on their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
Jesus said to him, [e]On the other hand, it is written also, You shall not tempt, [f]test thoroughly, or [g]try exceedingly the Lord your God.