Out for a Walk … And a Run
Hurry over to Proverbial Thought for some wisdom from Proverbs!
Once again, I bring a story of our wonderful puppy! (You may remember the entries found here, here, and here.)
When we go out for a walk, we frequently find things of interest.
At least, he finds things of interest, things I usually find less interesting.
These things range from fast food wrappers, bones, other pieces of trash, spills on the walkway/blacktop, larger dogs, and cats.
He may not always be aware of the danger posed by such things, such as germs/bacteria, parasites, or fights with other animals. I am aware of these dangers, and I am quick to say “Not good for us. Come on!”
Here is what usually happens: he tugs on the leash toward the desired item until I give a quick tug right back, then he runs full speed away!
Perhaps you see where I might be going with this:
Now Joseph was well-built and handsome,7 and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!”
8 But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. 9 No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” 10 And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.
11 One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. 12 She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.
Genesis 39:6-12, NIV
Sin is rather glamorous to us. We should face the facts: it can be fun and enjoyable to sin. If it was not enjoyable, there would be little or no problem with sin in our world!
It may look attractive, fun, or sweet, but, like with my puppy, it is garbage and dangerous.
We may strive to get close to it, to push our boundaries of what might be safe. It is just like Joseph with Potiphar’s wife. Odds are Potiphar knew his wife was “easy,” and Joseph could have alerted him to the situation. Instead, he only tried to ignore it instead of deal with it. (To be fair, he was only a servant, but work with me here!)
Eventually, he knew the cost of disobeying God was too great, and he literally ran. Because he toed the line too long, even though his master probably knew the truth, it cost him.
Notice my puppy still finds things and has to run away.
How many times do we fail to run away?
What thing or person do you refuse to run away from to protect yourself and honor God?
Online pornography? An attractive co-worker? Too much time on Facebook/P!nterest/news sites? Weekly lottery tickets? Gossip? Taking the excess [anything] from work? Driving too fast? Cutting corners to save time/money?
Stop pulling at the leash. Stop ignoring situations and God’s commands.
RUN!
Sometimes it means putting away the computer, or even giving it up completely (I would miss you, but I understand). Sometimes it means avoiding the store or certain people. Sometimes it means asking for a transfer or even quitting your job. Sometimes it means giving up the keys.
RUN!
Sin is never worth the cost.
Besides, I like cuddling with and getting kissed by my puppy.
God likes being close and indwelling us.
If my puppy gets into the garbage or a fight, I am wary of even touching him or letting him touch me.
Our sin is pushing God out.
RUN FROM THE TEMPTATION AND THE SIN!
RUN TO THE OPEN ARMS OF GOD!
a simple man of God 