No Immunity

Flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
–2 Timothy 2:22

Yesterday, we began learning how to conquer the mountain of lust. First of all, realize that lust is insatiable and destructive. Lust destroys lives physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Second, remember that no one is immune to the destructive power of lust. Samson was set apart for a special purpose, yet his lust led to his death. David was a mighty warrior and a man after God’s own heart, yet his lust led to adultery, murder, and the death of his child. Solomon was the wisest and richest man who ever lived, yet his lust destroyed his love for God. No matter how strong, spiritual, or successful you are, you’re not immune to the power of lust.

Some Christians seem to think it’s all right to engage in a little bit of sin because they can go back to God later. They think they won’t be destroyed by lust because they can stop whenever they want to. No, sinning becomes a habit. The more you say yes to sin, the harder it is to break free.

That’s why it’s important not to give lust even a foothold. Look at the example of Joseph in the Old Testament. In Egypt, Joseph was enslaved to a married man named Potiphar. But Mrs. Potiphar kept making moves on Joseph. One day, she grabbed him and said, “Lie with me!” (Genesis 39:12). The Bible repeatedly says, “The Lord was with Joseph” (vv. 2, 23). Yet Joseph was under no illusions that he was immune to the power of lust. He knew this situation was too much for his hot Hebrew hormones, so he did the most spiritual thing he could do: He scrammed. The Bible says, “He left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside” (v. 12).

Joseph didn’t stick around and try to rationalize it by saying, “Maybe she just needs somebody to listen to her and pray with her,” or, “Giving in this one time won’t hurt anybody, and I know I’ll never do it again.” No, he ran far and fast in the opposite direction.

Don’t assume you’re strong enough to tangle with lust and come away unscathed. As Paul wrote, “Flee from youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22).

Today’s devotion is adapted from “Moving from Lust to Purity,” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2021.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org.