GREEK - (phuego) to flee away, seek safety by flight
To say that we are to flee pride, disputes over semantics, envy,
strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless friction and love of material
wealth tells me that these things are more than simple curiosities that
could lead to trouble. Rather it suggests to me that
these things are in fact extremely dangerous and must be out to destroy
me. Therefore I must run to safety. Where is my safety?
My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my
salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior-- from violent
people you save me. II Samuel 22:3
I love that this
verse tells us that God is the horn of our salvation. The trumpeter
would blow the horn to let the soldiers know where the safe place was in
the need of retreat. They would all turn and flee to that place as the
horn was sounding. God "blows His trumpet" of warning when sin
threatens us. He calls to us to turn and run to Him as our refuge, our
shield, stronghold and savior. So we indeed are to FLEE!!! Flee from sin, but to
Him. Many times we run to others in gossip and anger instead of
running to God. We must remember that He will listen to our complaint
with patience, without judgment, without criticism until we are
finished. Then He will gently point us in the way we should go next,
how to repair the problem or rest in Him to do the work, guide us to
forgiveness and, if necessary, repentance, all the while shielding us
from the evil that is trying its very best to overcome, overwhelm and
destroy us.
Pursue (MODERN DAY) -
Follow (someone or something) to catch or attack them.
GREEK - Dioko - to seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavor to acquire
On
the other hand, we are to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love,
patience and gentleness. This tells me that these things are for my
good. They will nourish me and help me grow. I am not to stand there
hoping they will pass by so that I can reach out and grab one of them.
Rather I am to eagerly look for them and when I find them, keep running
as I grab and hang onto them for dear life!!
If our child or grandchild were to run towards a busy intersection, we
would not stand by watching them do so, hoping they will run past us so
we can grab them. They are too precious to us for that, so we pursue
them with diligence and if necessary, throw ourselves on top of them to
keep them safe from harm. This is how we are to relate to our
relationship with the Father. We are to pursue it as precious until we
grab hold of it, only we are the ones that will be protected if we do.
18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach
them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when
you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Deuteronomy 11
If our children and grandchildren are truly as precious to us as we
think they are, we will teach them how to flee sin and pursue
righteousness as well. Mentors we are, whether we want to be or not.
People are watching us, trying to learn from us all the time, especially
our children and grandchildren.
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace to all who are watching my
life, struggling to learn and to grow into mature individuals. May my
life reflect Your love and wisdom and if I ever lead someone astray,
please forgive them and show them the right path. Should that happen, I
ask You to discipline me and make me right with you in that area once
again, so I may come boldly to Your throne of grace in faith believing
and never do so again. Help me walk circumspectly before You, always.
In Jesus' precious name I ask this, knowing that whatever we ask in His
name and according to Your will will be accomplished through the
presence and power of Your Holy Spirit. |
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