Jesus did not die on the cross to live comfortably in the things that He came to save us from. His death was not just a historical event or a religious doctrine; it was a reflection of God's love, mercy, and His will to redeem humanity. The cross teaches us that there is a price to sin, and that there is a way to be saved through Christ.
The message of the picture is very clear and strong: “Flee from sin; Do not entertain what Jesus died to save you from.”
Sin may be tempting, not harmful, or even fun. It can start with a seemingly insignificant action a wrong thought, an unkind word, an unhealthy relationship, a secret habit, bitterness, pride, disobedience, etc. But as we repeatedly welcome what we invite into our lives, we can become what we are. For this reason, the Bible tells us to flee from sexual sin (1 Corinthians 6:18) and to avoid temptation instead of seeking it out (Galatians 2:20).
To flee from sin means more than simply saying, “I will not do it.” It requires conscious choices to keep away from those things that draw us away from God continuously. Sometimes, it is necessary to leave a place to escape. Sometimes it means cutting off a conversation. In some instances it involves altering our viewing habits, our company, our music, or the ideas that fill our heads.
Temptation is not a form of entertainment. What can be funny, makes you feel good or is popular can be bad for your spiritual life. Common sense is not necessarily sound sense. As Christians, we shouldn't be doing something just because it's what everybody else is doing, we should be doing something that honors God.
But Christ gave a high price for our redemption. His sacrifice is thus a call to gratitude and action. Being saved does not mean that we have to be perfect; it means that if we are truly saved, we should desire to live differently. The more we know the value of the cross the more attentive we will be to the things we will take.
You will have times when you want to give in to temptation. At times, we will be tempted to go back to the ways of the past. However, there is another way to fail: INTO TENTATION. We can pray. We can hold those responsible accountable. We can choose to get out of compromising situations. We can fill our minds with God's Word and then ask the Holy Spirit for strength.
Keep in mind that you can not keep giving what God is calling you to deny and still be strong.
Avoid having to answer to Jesus what He was sentenced to die for. Never make peace with the very things that are destroying your relationship with God. Make your choice to obey when you are tempted. When sin calls, flee. When weakness shows itself, look to Christ.
The cross is a reminder of how much God loves you. Walk in that love, away from sin, and into Jesus' life.
Flee from sin. Follow Christ. Guard your heart. Live for God.
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