Scripture
"But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness." (1 Timothy 6:11)
Observation
If there’s one thing that can make me run and scream like a little girl it’s geckos. If I walk into a room and see one of those suckers scurry into the shadows, Imma high tail it outta there and seal the room shut never to be entered again. Burn it even. There’s a deep seeded fear and disgust that I associate with these scums of the earth and I want no part of.
Application
Now if I just took this same attitude towards all the things God’s word defines as unrighteous and evil, then my pursuit of righteousness and holiness becomes a lot simpler. But instead, I tend to linger in the room of unrighteousness too long, just to make sure that what I think is evil is evil, instead of fleeing at the first sign of “something’s not right”.
It’s one thing to turn away and leave, it’s another thing to flee. Fleeing means there’s a real fear and a real danger. It means that at I’m at risk and my life could be in danger. Truth is my life is at risk if I entertain the thoughts of sin for even a second, instead of fleeing at the first sign of trouble.
My fleeing naturally leads to a pursuit of that which is of God and holy, righteousness, godliness, faith, love perseverance and gentleness. And just like fleeing is an active and passion fueled act, so must be my pursuit.
The pursuit is a passionate and continual act that I need to commit to. It’s more than just talking about it and journaling on it…it’s putting my boots to the ground and walking the walk. I need to pursue with purpose beyond just conquering the moment. I need to pursue with a purpose that changes and transforms me to be the man He’s called me to be. Not easy, but really not that difficult either. As I set my mind on those 2 ideas, FLEE and PURSUE, the perspective is clear and the goal is obvious. FLEE the evil things…PURSUE the good stuff.
Prayer
Jesus I’m overwhelmed. Help me to keep that action but change my perspective. To be overwhelmed with Your love, grace and favor for me rather than the busyness I find myself in. To flee the negative and pursue Your perfect peace. Amen
