Three Keys For Holy Living! (part 2 of 4)

Maintaining the holiness to which we have been called is a continuing challenge as we live in the midst of an unholy world. Where we rest our focus and the desires of our life is going to make a big difference in our becoming what God desires to make of us.

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul urged. . .
"(22) So FLEE YOUTHFUL PASSIONS and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." ( 2 Timothy 2:22 ESV)

Today, let us meditate on the first of three keys Paul mentioned here that will contribute in moving us toward holy living. Some things must not merely be turned from or walked away from, but rather RUN FROM! It is the remaining close that often gets us into trouble. We best FLEE THE SCENE where temptation raises its ugly head. It was here that David made his mistake. He looked down from his roof, saw Bathsheba, and invited temptation in. ( 2 Samuel 11:2-4) Joseph, on the other hand, when presented with the challenge by Potiphar's wife, chose to FLEE as quickly as he could. ( Genesis 39:6-12)

The first step in deliverance sometimes come in the form of stepping away; putting distance between us and the temptation by FLEEING as far from it as we can. It is when we remain close to the wrong things that we get ourselves into trouble. That is why Paul emphatically declared, "(33) Do not be deceived: 'BAD COMPANY RUINS GOOD MORALS.'" ( 1 Corinthians 15:33) The Greek word "deceived" is in the imperative here. This is an important truth not to be missed!

Remaining close to God and His Will creates greater inner strength to resist the temptations of this world. May we recognize how accepting the key of FLEEING from wherever temptation lurks will close and lock the door to its opportunity. May we continue distancing ourselves from such things by drawing closer to God and the wisdom of His Will.

Have a great day RECOGNIZING WHEN DISTANCE IS THE BEST DEFENSE!
Carl

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