One thing I was wondering. I know that the enemy uses intricate measures to try to stop us in our pursuit of leading a good and blessed life. Now, if e.g. I have a spontaneous thought in reaction to reading, seeing, or hearing something how can I determine who the originator is? Thoughts can come from both parties I guess. Good and evil. How do you deal with this? Is there an approach to discern the spirits or to purify and guard our thoughts?
Does the answer ( or the consequences of said answer) cause me to compromise my faith?
If this answer is no, then proceed.
And if the answer is yes, then obviously do not proceed.
Actually, there is a third option as well.
Am I doing something that would cause a new believer to stumble?
Let’s say I took a shot of whiskey every night before going to bed.
Doing so does not compromise my faith.
It is always just one shot, so I am.never drunk.
Circumstances occur and my teenage nephew and niece have to stay with me for a couple of days.
In this circumstance, I would suspend my drinking while the kids are there due to their impressional ability.
This is a thoughtful and important question, and it’s one that many sincere believers wrestle with. You’re absolutely right that both God and the enemy can influence thoughts—whether through inspiration, temptation, conviction, or distraction. However, it’s crucial to remember that not every thought that enters our mind is our own, nor is it automatically from God. Scripture teaches us to “try the spirits whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1) and to bring every thought “into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). One key way to discern the origin of a thought is to test it against the Word of God. Does it align with the Spirit of truth, or does it sow confusion, fear, pride, or compromise? God’s voice brings conviction that leads to life and peace (Romans 8:6); the enemy’s influence often stirs anxiety, condemnation, or self-centeredness. Prayer, fasting, and regularly saturating your heart with Scripture will train your spiritual senses to distinguish more clearly over time (Hebrews 5:14).
That said, it’s also essential to recognize that living a good and blessed life—while noble—is not the way to salvation. Salvation does not come through good behavior, positive thinking, or moral living, but through obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ: repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name for the remission of sins, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38). A blessed life may reflect the fruits of walking with God, but it is not the doorway to eternal life. True salvation comes through spiritual rebirth, not human effort (John 3:5). So while guarding our thoughts and striving to live uprightly is part of our sanctification, our hope must rest solely in the finished work of Christ and the new birth experience that places us in Christ. Only then can we walk in true discernment, filled with the Spirit who leads us into all truth.