“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.” (1 Tim. 6:11-12)
Paul had just been telling Timothy that so many who once followed the Lord “have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” by pursuing money and material wealth. He told young Timothy that the greatest gain in life is godliness with contentment. “For” he wrote, “we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”
But Paul tells Timothy to flee from these evil desires. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul tells him, “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22). By doing so, the apostle reveals two aspects of living the Christian life. It consists of fleeing sin and temptation, and pursuing godliness – i.e. seeking to be like our heavenly Father. Run from temptation and evil. But also chase after righteousness.
Yes, part of the Christian life consists of running from temptation. Think of Joseph who was a slave in the household of Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh’s bodyguard (Genesis 39). When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph and grabbed his cloak, what did he do? The Scripture tells us that Joseph ran. Yes, even though she wouldn’t let go of his robe, he fled from her and left his robe behind (Genesis 39:7-12). It was the only appropriate response to the temptation – to flee. But didn’t Paul tell Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith”? Yes, and this is part of God’s strategy for victory over sin – to flee from it. This is why Jesus told us to pray, “lead us not into temptation” (Matthew 6:13).
But God’s strategy for victory over sin also includes pursuing Christ and striving to be like Him. Victory is achieved by chasing and taking hold of righteousness and eternal life. Therefore, our focus is not on sin, but on Christ, making Him our pursuit in life. You see, fleeing from sin is in no way a retreat. It’s a pursuit. And we cannot do one without doing the other. Reject sin and pursue Christ. We cannot serve two masters. We must love one and reject the other (Matthew 6:24).
Remember, as Paul referred to timid Timothy as “you man of God,” in the same way He looks at you. You’re a man or woman of God. Therefore, live up to who you are.
REFLECTION
- Should you seek to extract sin from your life and heart or to fill them with Christ?
- Just as God called the timid Gideon, “You mighty man of valor” (Judges 6:12), so God sees you as His champion and His mighty warrior. So live accordingly.