Run
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. – 1 Corinthians 10:13-14 NKJV.
Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. – 1 Corinthians 6:18 NKJV.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. – 1 Timothy 6:10-11 NKJV.
Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. – 2 Timothy 2:22 NKJV.
I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your word. – Psalm 119:147 NKJV.
In December 2015, there was an attempted armed robbery of a cellphone store in Springfield, Massachusetts. At least two people were involved, with the first robber entering the store appearing to be just another customer. Shortly after the first robber entered the store, employees heard a loud banging on the back door. This was when the first robber jumped over the counter brandishing a handgun. The robber then ran over to the back door to let his accomplice into the store. This was when the robbery went badly for the robbers. The two employees took advantage of this situation by screaming, and running out the front door of the store. The screaming for help scared the second robber who left the store; the first robber decided to leave the scene too, without taking anything. There was a suspect arrested almost immediately based on a photo from the surveillance system. However, this man was later cleared, because of his being able to prove he was at another store during the time of the robbery. (Masslive 12.09.15; The Republican 02.16.16)
The employees of the cellphone store did two things right during the attempted robbery. They screamed for help, which frightened off the second robber, and while they had the opportunity they fled out the front door. When we are faced with temptation or danger these two things can make a difference in your survival.
When faced with temptation our spiritual response should include two things. What are those two things? First, we should cry out for help, ask our God to help us as did the Psalmist (Psalm 119:147). Second, we should flee, run from the temptation. When we think of temptation the first thing we think of is the kind of temptation Joseph faced with Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39). However, there is another temptation that can be just as powerful in its own way. Idolatry, putting money or anything other than God first (Matthew 6:33) in your life is a great temptation.
When you are tempted to succumb to a temptation remember this: “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Corinthians 6:20).” Remember you belong to God, cry out for His help, and run from the evil temptation.