PC3 Devotions

In our minds, retreating or running away while in battle appears very cowardly. Some might see this as a display of weakness or admitting defeat. When it comes to our battle with lust, the act of fleeing needs to be seen in a different light.  This action should not be a last resort, but rather a key tactical step used to gain a stronghold on the things that currently hold us captive. Consider these words:

2 Timothy 2:22

22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

1 Timothy 6:11

 11But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

By taking the defensive posture you are actually going on the offensive. What is more foolish: not stepping foot in the areas where traps so easily entangle or going into battle with a few arrows of self control or pure will while the enemy has a full arsenal at his disposal?

One of the reasons it is so difficult for us to see fleeing as an option is that we have yet to admit there is a raging battle going on in our hearts and mind for control. This causes us to be passive and lazy as we go on with business as usual. If you stand still in the middle of the battlefield, you are placing a huge bull’s-eye on your back.

The thing is our walks with God were never intended to be passive. There is a deep level of pursuit attached to this relationship. Reread the two passages again and take special note of the action verbs Paul uses in his letters to Timothy: flee, pursue, fight, and take hold. If movement does not define your walk then chances are good that you are currently on the losing end of your battle with lust and purity.

In order to produce movement, maybe the first step for you to take is the act of fleeing. Is there a difficult temptation you constantly struggle to resist? When you do find yourself most vulnerable: time, location, situation, and emotional state? What would fleeing this situation look like for you? Understanding the times to run will enable you to take action in the fight.

Lord, open my eyes so that I might be aware of the areas of my life where I struggle with lust. May I flee anything that is not of you.  It is my hope that my movements will be defined by repentance. Allow me to turn from the sinfulness of my actions towards a pursuit of your own heart. Amen.

Four weeks ago when we started the process of memorizing Proverbs 3:1-8, we clung to the promise that participating in the spiritual disciplines would bring “health to our body and nourishment to our bones.” So, as we come to the end of our journey, it seems fitting we end where we began – with a promise.

Proverbs 3:1-2 (NASB)

 ¹ My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;
² FOR LENGTH OF DAYS AND YEARS OF LIFE AND PEACE THEY WILL ADD TO YOU.

Every longing we experience is a longing for life.  We search high and low for some semblance of peace from the chaos and confusion of life. At the core of these wants is a connection we are missing which can only be filled by God.

However, when we think of God’s provision of life our minds tend to gravitate towards an eternal picture rather than seeing that provision is available to us today. To put it simply, we have been given life (John 10:10) and not solely of the eternal perspective, but a life that starts right now.

We’ve grossly underestimated the benefits the power of the Gospel has on the quality of life we can experience while here on Earth. 1 Timothy 4:8 says, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” Growing in the character of Christ enables us to live a life without worry. There is a freedom found in pursuing His heart. One is able to walk and live securely. The satisfaction we crave is found in Him and in Him alone (Psalm 91:16). This is the reason why we pursue wisdom.

Solomon goes on in Proverbs 3:17 to say wisdom is pleasant in all her ways and leads towards the path of peace. This seems to echo the words of David who declares “those who love your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble” (Psalm 119:165). The peace that is spoken of is not a guarantee of a smooth ride free of trouble. The reality is life happens to all of us. There is no way around this. Yet, in the midst of whatever circumstance you face you can have unshakeable peace.

We have peace and life because of our new identity in Christ. Romans 5:1 says that since we have been justified through faith that “we have peace with God.” When we enter into a relationship with Christ, an incredible transformation takes place.  In Ephesians 2:1-10, Paul talks about the drastic transformation that occurs within us when we accept what Christ did on the cross and decide to walk with Him.  Paul uses the imagery of our old self passing away, dying to Christ, as He forges a new self alive through Him.  This happens not by our own power, but solely through His ability to transform us into something new.

Lord, may I understand that the pursuit of wisdom is where true life and peace is found. You have given me this day to display Your glory through my life today. I will not forget this. Thank you for calling me, drawing me and using me. I embrace the thrill of living Your life. Make it fruitful. Amen.

Take a moment and reflect on your journey through Proverbs 3:1-8. How has God spoken to you through this experience?