“Run from all these evil things” (1 Timothy 6:11b, NLT).
We talked about temptation just a few weeks ago, but I want to continue that lesson today.
We need an emergency strategy for when we face temptation.
The Bible says we need to move quickly out of any situation that causes us temptation. That means we develop preventative strategies to keep us from being tempted. And we also need emergency strategies—a panic button—for when we’re tempted in an unexpected situation. For example, if you’re in front of the television and suddenly a temptation comes along, what do you do?
The Bible says you run.
In 1 Timothy 6:11b (NLT), we’re told, “Run from all these evil things.”
You have to get away. It could be a temptation to cheat in business. It could be a sexual temptation. But your response should be the same: get out. Never argue with a temptation. You’ll always lose. Emotions will take over, and emotions aren’t logical.
Years ago when I was a youth minister, I’d tell kids, “Don’t decide in the back seat of a car that you’re going to be sexually pure and save yourself for marriage.” You must decide you’re going to be morally pure long before then. If you end up in the back seat of a car, you’re going to move by your glands, not your plans. Hormones will kick in, and you’ll be overwhelmed.
Please, take time today to make an emergency plan for when you’re tempted. Don’t resist temptation. Replace it. Run. Turn the channel. Get out of the situation. That’s the simplest way out.
Talk It Over:
- Describe your emergency strategy for a temptation with which you struggle.
- What situations do you need to avoid to stay away from temptation? {eoa}
Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church. His book, The Purpose Driven Church, was named one of the 100 Christian books that changed the 20th century. He is also founder of pastors.com, a global internet community for pastors.
This article originally appeared at pastorrick.com.
