Fleeing Temptation

Fleeing Temptation by Alan Smith

There are times when running away is the proper response. In his first letter to the Crinthians, Paul said to "Flee sexual immorality" ( 1 Cor. 6:18 ) and "Flee from idolatry." ( 1 Cor. 10:14 ). Fleeing is especially important when we encounter temptation. We sometimes make the mistake of putting ourselves in situations where we are tempted, thinking that we are strong enough to handle it.

Sometimes we are, but often we are not.

Remember when Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife? She “cast longing eyes on Joseph and she said, ‘Lie with me.’” (Gen. 39:7). Joseph refused to commit adultery with her, but she persisted to the point that finally Joseph needed to flee. “He left his garment in her hand, and fled outside.” (Gen. 39:12).

There may not be a Potiphar’s wife in your life, but there is likely some temptation which you find difficult to resist. If alcohol is your temptation, flee. Make a decision to avoid people and places where alcohol will be readily available. If sexual impurity with a boyfriend or girlfriend is a temptation, flee. Make a decision to avoid situations where you are alone and the temptation is stronger. If inappropriate use of your money is a temptation, flee. Stay away from the mall!

The worst mistake any of us can make is to think that “I can handle it. I know this is a strong temptation but I won’t give in. I’ll hang around close, but I won’t cross the line.” The real question we need to consider is this: “Who (or what) do we want to stay close to?” Because fleeing is not just running away from something; it is also running toward something.

“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” (I Timothy 6:11)

Father, more than anything in this world I desire to be close to you. Help me to flee from those things which tend to pull me away from you, and draw me close. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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There is another article about Fleeing Temptation:

FLEE

This is a long one, but it is good to know more.



Jane's Note:

Knowing me who always overconfident in thinking I can resist temptations and influences without fleeing.

Result shows that I am so vulnerable, and weak before temptations. From my experience and here I hope that you allow me to give you this caveat: ''Friends.... run away from the thing you called it temptations.'', and if you allow yourself live with it, not long you will find yourself falling in to commit the first sin, then one sin leads to another, therefore God says flee from it, He knows our weaknesses, it is never too late, now.... ''RUN!''

Jane Lee
http://scfjanelee.blogspot.com