The apostle Paul writes: “But thou, O man of God, flee these things…”
First of all, let’s see who the “man of God” is.
The one, who follows the Lord, wants to fulfill His commandments and spends the eternity with Him, can be called a man of God. I am sure that we also can be called the people of the God, since His name called by us.
What should the man of God flee from? Today, the world is absorbed in hatred, various temptations, crimes and sins. Look what is going on around us; it gains the impression that the humanity wasn’t created for the good, mutual love, care and help, but for sexual primitive enjoying and temporary pleasures. Why do people use alcohol and drugs? Because, they want to distract from the reality for a while and experience temporary pleasures offered by this world. However, the Word of God leads us to a normal life and advises to flee from those sins.
Many people, instead of fleeing, begin to struggle against them, hoping to overcome. But the apostle Paul advises us not to struggle against them, but flee from those things. We need to flee in order to avoid being absorbed in them. If you know what tempts you, flee from it, do not look at it and do not go there. And not only flee from it, but also follow the right things.
When we run away from danger, we need to find a safe hiding place. For example, children run away from danger to their parents. So we, fleeing from sins must find a shelter where the Word of God leads us – to the righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness.
Of course, in order not commit sin, we need patience and meekness, as well as the rest of the spirit’s fruits – godliness, faith and love…
Hence, my dearly beloved, flee from sins and follow the fruits of the spirit! Amen.