The world has a clever scheme. It feeds the lusts of the flesh. A flaming arrow of the enemy. The goal is to lure us like moths to a flame. The Bible’s recommended response is “flee”.

The trap is a scheme of half-truths and superficial substitutes for our true longings. It is a scheme of short cuts. Like Satan offered Jesus. “Bow down and worship me and I will give you the kingdoms of the earth. Why wait and suffer when you can have it now?”

The flesh sells the idea that we can gain great profits without making investments. We can eat our seed corn and still have a harvest. Jesus knew better. He separated from Satan and followed the road of obedience – a road that led to the true fulfillment of his destiny as the King.

The path of Jesus is the way of life. Paul urges us to flee lusts and pursue righteousness. The Lord calls us to put away superficial attempts to feed our deepest passions. Instead, we are to do the hard work of chasing righteousness.

When we exercise the difficult decision to walk in the obedience of faith, our reward is peace, love and the fruits of righteousness. And the seed of this great blessing begins with fleeing that which is incompatible with a life of faith.

“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