I was recently in a conversation with a 77-year-old gentleman about how he lived so boldly for Christ in his business. His response both challenged and humbled me. He said, “Kevin, I’m a warrior.” I remember thinking, “I want to be a warrior.” The image of boldly moving into every situation ready to battle and conquer is very appealing to me. However, the next thing he said quickly brought balance to the picture. He next shared that as a warrior, the wisdom to know when to fight, talk, or retreat had carried him through many years. I have lost my greatest battles with temptation believing I was stronger than its pull, only to find myself giving in during the struggle. The warrior mentality filled me at times with a false sense of my own power. Joseph chose to run and run fast when tempted by Potiphar’s wife. Wisdom has taught me to do the same when tempted. God’s way out of sin often includes running as much as resisting and fighting. Today, choose wisely when to stand and fight and when to run.
“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB
