Flee from temptation

And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. James 4:6-10

Scientists are in a constant search for an alarm system that will provide people a longer warning time when calamities are about to strike. A longer warning time will help people flee from the coming calamity and escape possible destruction. The Word of God and the Holy Spirit provide every believer an opportunity to sense the incoming assault of temptation. From the text, James tells us that Christians on their own are not capable of fighting Satan’s ploys so the admonition is to flee. Once God provides a warning the only resort is to run from the temptation. Do not let Satan trick you into thinking that you can flirt with temptation and remain unscathed. Joseph fled when Potiphar’s wife was trying to seduce him. “She came and grabbed him by his cloak, demanding, “Come on, sleep with me!” Joseph tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house” (Genesis 39:12). Do not hesitate and struggle instead pray that God will give you the strength to flee. If your desire is to follow Christ, you will not allow Satan to place you in situations where you could be tempted. Flee from temptation and get closer to God. God will always provide you a path so you could flee. “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Blessings.