August 11

Run From Evil

Proverbs 6

KEY VERSE: My son, keep your father’s commands and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck.

n Proverbs 6:20, 21

Early in my ministry, during the 1950’s, I stopped by the home of one of my parishioners about 10 o’clock in the morning. Expecting to talk the husband, I was greeted cheerfully by the wife. She was so scantily dressed that certain parts of her original equipment were clearly visible.

The woman explained that Clifford had gone into town on an errand, but that I should come on in and have a cup of coffee. I had not been taught how to react in such a situation, but looking back I realize now that the Holy Spirit guided me to quickly excuse myself and depart.

At the time I had never read the Book of Proverbs. Nevertheless, God was with me, protecting me from evil. Had I walked into that house, I would have exposed myself to the risk of lust. Solomon understood this. That is why he said, “Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes” (verse 25).

So we are admonished to run from evil. We are to run, but we are to run after the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus. We are to run the race as Christians, asking the Lord to give us the strength to finish the race.

Sometimes we run the wrong way; we run from God, like Jonah or the Prodigal Son. But our loving Father’s mercy endures forever and he is really at all times to help us turn around and begin running in the right direction.

Now and then as a pastor I have said to my people, “If you knew how much Jesus loves you, and all that he wants to do for you and through you, then you would not walk, you would run to Jesus and give him your life!” Perhaps a good conclusion to all this might be: Run from evil, and run to Jesus – for the time of your life!