James 1:14-15. It says, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin…” I meditated on these verses for several days. 

Embryo thoughts about a temptation quickly escalate into full-blown sin. Nip the thought in the bud,  making your next thought focused on the Lord’s holiness. 1 Peter 1:15 says, “…be holy in all your conduct.” Our conduct is outward evidence of our inner thought life.

Temptations to sin are deceptively hidden within our own secret desires. There could be no enticement otherwise. What were you addicted to or still are addicted? If negativism – beware that there is no buried offense.

Mind addictions: worry, fear, anxiety, self-hatred, complaining, negativity, etc. It all starts with one thought that comes into our mind unbidden. Don’t take the bait.