J Heinrich Arnold-Freedom from sinful thoughts.pdf

FREEDOM FROM SINFUL THOUGHTS - T H E W I L Lmerely without the desired effect, but will actually go in theopposite direction and intensify it…with the result that thedominant idea is reinforced.Paul writes knowingly of the problem:I do not understand what I do. For what I do I do not want todo, but what I hate to do…I have the desire to do what isgood, but I cannot carry it out…(Rom. 7:15–17).Perhaps it is helpful here to distinguish between the willand the deeper, essential longing of our heart: theconscience. Whereas the will reacts to temptation byattempting to inhibit the imagination and desire, theconscience (the early Quakers called it the “innerlight”) points us to true purity of heart. It is a guide inthe innermost recesses of the soul, where Christ himselfdwells. And when it takes the upper hand, the worsttemptations can be overcome.In examining the war of these two “wills,” thequestion naturally arises, Where does all this unwantedevil come from? The only answer is to admit that theevil comes from our hearts. (I do not mean to deny thatwe are often attacked by evil – only to warn that toemphasize the role of the devil can be unhealthy.Ultimately, each of us must take responsibility for ourthoughts and actions.) When we recognize this it is notdifficult to understand why we are incapable of over­14