Ephesians 2:3a Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind;
One thing we all have in common is a past. As individuals our experiences vary. What God did for us as individuals to pull us out of our sins also varies. In that same way we may have different triggers.
Triggers vary in design and intent. Some are not even associated with guns. You have single action triggers, double action triggers, remote triggers, and even safety triggers. If you are properly trained you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each trigger.
Then there is the triggers of the mind. Not much different, except once pulled these do not set off an explosive charge, they lead to sin. Alcoholics and drug addicts know all too well what their triggers are because they lead to relapses.
A trigger is not sin. You still have to pull the trigger. The problem with triggers of the mind is they cannot be avoided. They exist in the recesses of the mind, embedded in memory, attached to emotions, and almost always come with an itch. The itchy trigger finger is the most dangerous trigger implement. The trigger itself does nothing, it has to be pulled into action, sin.
Job 31:1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
Job knew his trigger. He was determined to control the triggers of his mind. Obviously Job could not control chance meetings with lovely young women, but he could control his pondering heart. If he would not dwell on his trigger, the temptation to pull the trigger would pass just like the pretty young maid who walked in front of him would pass out of sight.
I know my triggers. I know how dangerous to my holiness they can be. I place my hands in the pockets of my mind, away from the trigger when they appear. There is safe ground in your mind. Do whatever it takes to take your mind off the trigger.
What an interesting topic this morning. As an old hunter, you have brought so much to my mind. Thank you for the spiritual exercise on the triggers.