Flirting with Disaster

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan!” Jesus’ response to this blatant attempt by Satan was different than all his others.  This was such an obvious sin that Jesus commands Satan to go away.  Jesus doesn’t argue with the devil or consider the temptation.  He quickly rejects it.  When we’re faced with situations or temptations that are clearly against the will of God we should not give them the time of day.  We must quickly and forcefully reject them and those that bear the temptation.  James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”  First, we must submit ourselves to God and then we can resist the devil.  Although James says he will flee, there are many times in Scripture we are told to flee from sin.  1 Cor 6:18 “Flee from sexual immorality.”  1Cor 10:14 “…flee from idolatry.” 1 Tim 6:11 “But you, man of God, flee from all this…” 2 Tim 2:22 “Flee the evil desires of youth…” Don’t flirt with sin.  Don’t allow yourself to consider those things you know to be sin.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Are there areas in my life where I am flirting with sin rather than resisting or rejecting it?

Lord, give me the strength to stand against the enemy and the wisdom to know when to flee.  I submit myself to you.  Help me to resist the devil and not allow my evil desires to drag me away into sin.  Thank you that Jesus died to set me free.  I do not have to continue to sin, but am free to live for you.  Greater is he who is in me than he who is in the world. Amen.