What should we do when we face temptation? There is a verse that I as a youth pastor really try to instill into the minds of the young people that I work with, 2 Timothy 2:22 which says this "So FLEE youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." (ESV emphasis added) This verse is one that is usually used in terms of purity but I think can be applied to really any aspect of the Christian life. I think the key word for this verse is the word flee. According to Merriam-Webster the word flee means to run away from danger. I think it is interesting that Paul here tells us to flee or run away from sin. We are to run away from sin. A much used metaphor is that of a struggling alcoholic going to a bar. It wouldn't be smart for someone trying to stop drinking to hangout at the place where alcohol is being served. Let us put a picture to this thought. In the classic Disney movie "Beauty and the Beast" Belle's father Maurice was on his way to another town with his invention. On the way he gets lost and he and his horse hear wolves howling in the distance. Not wanting to see or deal with the wolves the horse turns and sprints the other way. The horse does this at the first hint of danger!! This is the kind of thing that I want to do, at the first hint of temptation to run the other way.
Now, as stated before, a lot of times that this verse is used in regards to purity for guys but I think that this verse is applicable to all believers in any situation. We need to run away from temptations, no matter what form they or what sin they are tempting us to commit, and run toward Jesus! Going back to Beauty and the Beast with Maurice and his horse they did not wait to see if the wolves would attack. When we are faced with a temptation we should not wait around to see how strong of a temptation it is going to be but get away from it as quickly as possible. In 1 Corinthians chapter 10 Paul tells us this in the 13th verse - "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (ESV) Our temptation are not uncommon! We are all human and all face the same types of temptation so we can be encouraged that we are not alone in our temptation. Paul also tells us in this verse that God will provide the way of escape for us. That way of escape is always there. Sometimes it is super blatantly obvious and other times we have to be paying attention to it but regardless it is there. So friends take a look at how you face temptation. Are you lingering around waiting to see what happens or are you like Maurice and his horse and turning and running the other way the hint of temptation? Have some thoughts or comments on the subject? Please leave a comment in the comment section!
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