In Hot Pursuit

The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord , 

but He loves him who pursues righteousness. (Proverbs 15:9 ESV)

If we're tired of the sin that we keep finding ourselves in, perhaps we should start making more intentional efforts to avoid it. We can't keep using the same language, looking at the same websites, fixing our eyes in the same place, or hanging out in the same old places and expect new behaviors. If you want what's right you have to start running in that direction. It isn't always easy--sometimes we feel like we're gaining on it and other times like we're falling a lap behind. Just keep running.

Get Out!

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Contrary to what some people believe, God doesn't tempt us to sin. He instead works to give us options so that we can choose to deny our common temptations. We fall victim to our temptations when we ignore the warnings He gives us. I believe that God continually gives us a way out, but our choices start to limit the options available to us as we pick the path we will travel.

I liken it to being initially tempted by something and having God give you a garage door sized escape hatch. It's more than big enough for you exit out of without any difficulty. When we make another poor choice towards sin instead of away from it, that opening is reduced in size. Each continual step we make along the path of temptation reduces our options. As we play with sinful decisions we may find ourselves with only a small window left to crawl out of to get away.

It isn't that God wants us to choose to sin--in fact, He will work to provide us with multiple avenues out of it. Our decisions make the way out difficult to maneuver. The choice is still ultimately ours.

In Temptation

We seek rescue from the things that tempt us and God tells us that He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. The reason we succumb to it isn't because of the pressures of outside influences however, but because of our lack of self-control. God doesn't want us to choose to follow that path and will provide ways out. When we choose not to take that escape route but instead make another decision along the wrong road, our options become limited. God is still going to offer a way out for us, but instead of having a garage door to walk out of now we find ourselves crawling out a window to get away.

Our rescue comes in the middle of our temptation, but we have to be willing to take it. A nasty path of regret awaits us if we don't claim the way out God offers.