RUN!
Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
2 Timothy 2:22 NLT
Imagine a fire spreading through a forest. If you find yourself too close, what’s your instinct? You don’t stand there debating whether it might burn you—you get away, you run! Similarly, the Bible tells us to flee from youthful passions, representing desires driven by our flesh. These can include cravings for immediate pleasure, selfish ambitions and lustful thoughts. These destructive desires can seem harmless initially, but like the fire, they grow quickly and can consume us if we don’t find an escape.
The word flee here is active and urgent. It’s not enough to resist or reason with these desires. We must make decisive moves away from them. But fleeing is only half the battle. 2 Timothy 2:22 also calls us to flee towards something better—righteousness, faith, love and peace. This means replacing what we’ve left behind with godly pursuits that lead to spiritual growth.
APPLICATION: What are some areas of temptation in your life? Find something to run towards when you feel that temptation. Consider a time of prayer or a phone call with a friend or mentor.
PRAYER: Father, Help me see my unique temptations. Please give me strength and boldness to flee from them and towards You. Fill me with righteousness, faithfulness, love and peace. Surround me with people who are pursuing this same purity of life. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?