Tag Archives: look for a way out of temptation

Running Away from Temptation

Posted on September 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former long-distance runner, I understand that dangers that a cross country runner may encounter. Holes, roots, and rocks are the most common hazards. However, when you throw in rain and wet leaves, a competitor is one wrong step away from twisting, turning and or spraining an ankle. Yet, in the passage below, Moses is referring to spiritual running to escape temptation.

Then after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph, and she said, Lie with me. 8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, See here, with me in the house my master has concern about nothing; he has put all that he has in my care. 9 He is not greater in this house than I am; nor has he kept anything from me except you, for you are his wife. How then can I do this great evil and sin against God? – Genesis 39:7-9

It’s not every day that an attractive woman flirts with a single guy. When that woman is your bosses’ wife and she attempts to make a pass at you day after day, running away from temptation is exactly what Joseph did. Although Moses jumps ahead in this story, Potiphar’s wife likely wore less and less clothing in Joseph’s presence so that he would finally give in and sleep with her.

She spoke to Joseph day after day, but he did not listen to her, to lie with her or to be with her. 11 Then it happened about this time that Joseph went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the men of the house were indoors. 12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me! But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out [of the house]. 13 And when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled away, Genesis 39:10-13.

The apostle Paul builds upon the concept of running away from temptation in 1 Corinthians 10:13. Whenever a Christian or anyone else is confronted with a tempting situation, Paul urges first century believers to look for a way out. Unfortunately, those who give into temptation are led astray by a second glance, 1 John 2:15-17. This glance is what the earthly brother of Jesus writes about in James 1:13-15. When temptation comes your way, avoid lusting by running away.

by Jay Mankus

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When Peace Can Turn Violent

Posted on July 14, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Sometimes human beings can possess a 6th sense. One day I was driving through a neighborhood in Chicago, stopping to ask someone for directions. In a matter of seconds, my car was surrounded as if I was about to be carjacked. I suddenly jumped on my accelerator, swerved to miss a few people and drove like the wind until I found a crowded gas station. This is my own encounter of when peace can turn violent.

It is in my power to do you harm; but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, Be careful that you do not speak from good to bad to Jacob [peaceably, then violently], Genesis 31:29.

While I was growing up in Delaware, I had a short temper. This unhealthy trait was passed down to me by my father, likely brought on by experiences with a drill sergeant in the Army. I was prone to throw fits of rage when things didn’t go my way. This is on display as a Little League pitcher, especially when I didn’t see eye to eye with the umpire’s strike zone. I could be in a great mood one inning before I felt apart emotionally as a peaceful game turned ugly with violent jeering.

And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it. 8 And Cain said to his brother, [b]Let us go out to the field. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him, Genesis 4:6-8.

The gift of free will can be a blessing and a curse. While God tried to confront Cain about his jealousy, Matthew 5:22, he had already made up his decision. Rather than take a similar passive role in the life of Jacob, God intervened in the form of a dream. This warning altered the actions of Laban in Genesis 31:29, maintaining peace instead of letting human nature turn violent. May today’s passage help you look for a way out of temptation, 1 Corinthians 10:13, so that peace prevails.

by Jay Mankus

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