Paul, in both letters to Timothy advised, “flee and pursue”. “But FLEE from these things, you man of God, and PURSUE righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness” (1 Tim 6:11, NASB). “Now FLEE from youthful lusts and PURSUE righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Tim 2:22, NASB). There is great wisdom here. Without the fleeing there can be no pursuing. Without the pursuing there can be no fleeing. Saying no to doing bad never works unless there is an active effort to doing good. Our business is not just to flee the works of darkness but to run toward the works of light. You can’t run from hate if you are not pursuing love. Pursue the worship of God and you will naturally be fleeing idolatry.
