Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed, lest he fall.
— 1 Corinthians 10:12
We need to stay as far away from sin as we possibly can. Flee temptation, for none of us are immune to the tempter’s snare.
Joseph faced the temptations of Potiphar’s wife, who wanted him to have sex with her. But he resisted, even at the cost of going to jail. Daniel in Babylon resisted the temptations of a godless society. Countless millions of others have, likewise, taken a stand for Jesus Christ. The responsibility ultimately is ours.
The Bible is very clear about temptation. There is a theological phrase that describes what we are supposed to do about temptation. I want you to remember it. I want you never, ever to forget it. It is not all that difficult. I think it should be understandable to everyone. That is, whenever you are confronted with temptation, remember this phrase: Run like crazy. “Flee temptation,” the Scripture says. “Flee youthful desires” (2 Timothy 2:22).
Many people have supposed they could flirt with temptation. How many among the army of addicts to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs have thought they could flirt with temptation: “Oh, it will never get the best of me.” They have fallen ignominiously on their faces before it. How many have flirted with sexual temptations and have found themselves falling headlong into an abyss of sin that has ruined their lives.
Question to ponder:
Have you ever thought that you would never fall into one sin or another?