Flee Sin, Pursue Righteousness

2 Timothy 2:22, “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.” (NLT)

This is a follow up from yesterday’s devotion of seeking the Lord. What does that entail? When we become Christians, we are taught to flee sin and temptation, then pursue Godly living. The more we submit to the Holy Spirit, the more we will suffocate the desires of the flesh. So, as we intentionally pursue righteousness, our desires will shift from “worldly” desires to “Godly” desires. According to this text we see Christianity is two-fold, flee sin and pursue righteousness. When you pursue righteousness, it requires intentionality on your part/action, to go after what it is that is good. We can’t pursue the “new” wholeheartedly, if we haven’t first released the “old”. (This reminds me of the saying, “Come as you are, but you must not stay as you are.”)

Paul also goes so far as to say for us to pursue righteous living with other believers who are doing so with a pure heart. Who do you spend the most time with? They have the greatest impact/influence in your life. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’”. But we can’t see hearts, how would we know if someone has a pure heart in the faith? I believe this is the purpose of the Holy Spirit working in us. He gives us the ability to discern whether someone is a real Christian or not. Another way to discern whether someone is genuine in the faith is by their actions (Matthew 7:16-20). The counsel Paul gives us is very helpful because when we pursue righteous living with others, we are stronger because we hold each other accountable and can help one another (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

Dear Father, I desire to turn away from all worldly temptations and chase after righteousness. Help me to stay focused on You and Your Word. Thank You for the Law which shows me what I should not do so I can recognize sin right away, but also, thank You for putting that much more emphasis on pursuing righteousness which leads to eternal joy in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!