By Lamont H. Fuchs, Ed.D.
(author of “Preacher Spurs”, Christian Faith Publishing, Meadville, Pa., 2022)
How many famous Christians have you been shocked to learn fell into infamous sin? I’m sure we can remember a name or two of solid Christians who fell into sexual sin, love of money, and types of idolatry or the pride of fame. It can happen to the best and most blessed of us. So keep your head on a swivel, and never underestimate how much satan wants to see you slip and fall. Pray for Holy protection.
The Bible sometimes tells us to run from evil. Other times it tells us to fight evil through the strength of God so that we can stand against temptation. We are always supposed to stand for God and His righteousness. It can get confusing. It is evident in God’s Word that when you find yourself trapped or consumed with sinful living, and the Spirit shows you should be uncomfortable with your surroundings, it’s time to run and get out.
“Be not wise in thine own eyes; Fear Jehovah, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:7
The three sins common to man that seem to be ones identified to run from are idolatry, love of money, and sexual sin. When you think about it, those are natural within men and women. Another one that you can’t run from is pride; I think that’s because you’d have to run from yourself.
What takes your time? What amuses you more than spending more time with God? Is the game on TV more important than going to Church on Sunday night? Is reading those tweets and checking your likes more important on the Twitter App than following God in His word? How about all those other distractions that draw you away from God? Check yourself to see if they haven’t become your idols or self-aggrandizement to your ego and pride.
“Wherefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” 1 Corinthians 10:14
Jesus and the Apostles relate parables throughout the New Testament about money, riches, and the love of anything above God. Paul had his issues with money and described them to Timothy as a warning of the power money can have in the influence of our lives. It is a form of idolatry with the shine of silver and gold.
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” 1 Timothy 6:10-11
Again, the Bible depicts many stories about sexual sin. That specific sin draws in many other sins, making it even more dangerous. Residing alongside sexual immorality is pride, idolatry, lying, murder, and different slippery slopes of all kinds of evil beyond the act of fornication. The love of sex pulls in all the sins in Leviticus of what are despicable uses of the body. It destroys our body as the temple created for the Spirit within us. The following stories and verses tell us specifically to run, as Joseph did when Potiphar’s wife wanted him to stay and play. Read all about it in Genesis 39.
“And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.” Genesis 39:12
Paul tells Timothy to flee those youthful urges. Do you think Paul knew that hormones rage in youth, as most middle and high school teachers know? Our Youth Ministers must address the enormous potential human condition to guide our youths away from temptation.
“But flee youthful lusts, and follow after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22
Paul takes the sinful acts of sex outside of marriage a step beyond the act itself. He tells us it is a sin against our own bodies. Engaging in sexual immorality with another joins our physical temple containing the Holy Spirit with sin. Read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, the body is the Lord’s, and we are members of Christ.
“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” 1 Corinthians 6:18
Draw closer to God and flee from sinful habits or things that distract you from what God wants to show and bless you. Run away. Put away. Uninstall. In Matthew 8:9, the concept of plucking out your eye before you end up in hell emotes the seriousness of this issue. Satan is out there to drag you into whatever keeps you from serving, worshipping, praying, or drawing nearer to God. Run away.
“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and walk not in the way of evil men.” Proverbs 4:14.
Lord God, and Father, we ask for Your mercy upon us in our weaknesses to sin against You. Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Help us to find our feet and direct them straight and away from all sin that offends You. Show us where we need to repent and forgive us when we fail You. Amen.
