Week 3 | Day 3 | Run for Your Life!

Command:

Do not commit adultery [do not lust]. Matthew 5:27-30 (NIV)

Read:

Flee from sexual immorality. 1 Cor 6:18 (NIV)

Reflect:

I don’t know about you but exercising self-restraint has always been a challenge for me, particularly in areas of natural appetites. Bad habits can be hard to break, especially compulsive ones like gambling and substance abuse. But physical desires such as eating and sex can be especially challenging because they are natural survival instincts. Imagine trying to quit smoking but you must smoke a little every day.

The enemy of our soul takes advantage of this and if you underestimate him you will lose. But since “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4 NIV), and “the reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work” (1 John 3:8 NIV), take courage! Go big in your fight with excessive survival instincts! In today’s verse “Flee from sexual immorality,” the verb flee means “run for your life!” It is also used in 2 Tim 2:22 (NIV) “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.” The word pursue means “chase after with all your might!”

I have found that chasing after what is right, with faith, love and peace supported by a community of other Jesus followers, is the most effective way to regulate natural desires within the boundaries of Christ.

React:

Flee excessive physical desires and chase the goodness of God with your whole heart.

Pray:

Lord, help me run hard away from excessive appetites and chase hard after you.