Read 2 Timothy 1 – 4
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22 KJV
Running away is sometimes considered cowardly, but wise people realize that removing themselves physically from temptation often can be the most courageous action to take. Timothy, a young minister, was warned by the Apostle Paul to flee from anything that aroused strong sinful desires. Do you have a recurring temptation that is difficult for you to resist? Often, the worst thing a person can do is stay in the situation. If we surround ourselves with a temptation, it is likely we will give in to it. Instead, we must remove ourselves physically from any situation that stimulates our desire to sin. Knowing when to run is just as important in a spiritual battle as knowing when and how to fight. Joseph, in Genesis 39, resisted the enticements of his master’s wife to sleep with her, but when she tried to trap him he ran rather than succumb to sin. His example is a good one to follow.
Lord, too often we think we are strong enough to resist temptation and we stay in it rather than run from it. Give me the wisdom to run anytime I face temptation that will rob me of a pure heart in my relationship with you.
A question to ponder: What temptations do I face which have such a strong appeal to me that I should make it a habit to always run from?
