(Are you struggling spiritually? This is for you)
By Brother Isaiah Willis
“Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
2 Timothy 2:22
There are many things in life that entice us and draw us away from who God has called us to be. We all struggle with them in one way or another. They may be called vices, addictions, guilty pleasures, or simply sin. Whatever name we choose to give them, the outcome remains the same. Left unchecked, they lead us away from God and toward spiritual death.
I appreciate the way Scripture uses the phrase youthful lusts because it can be understood in several ways. When I was younger, there were things I did that I saw no problem with at all. In fact, I often looked forward to the next opportunity to indulge in them. It was not until I matured that I realized those things were not beneficial for me.
In this sense, youthful lusts can refer to behaviors and mindsets that we should outgrow as we mature. Sometimes that growth comes through physical age, and other times it comes through spiritual wisdom.
Physical growth is much like a baby who begins life drinking milk but eventually transitions to solid food. There are things we may do as children that are no longer appropriate as adults. Such growth is a natural part of life.
Spiritual growth, however, is different. It is not determined by how many years we have lived but by our experiences, trials, and willingness to follow God. Spiritual wisdom teaches us how to pursue the Lord with a pure heart. It helps us recognize that simply getting older does not automatically eliminate temptation. Rather, wisdom teaches us how to honor God in the midst of temptation and live according to His Word.
I did not begin serving the Lord until I was twenty years old. The day I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I became a spiritual infant. Many of the things I once served, valued, and pursued had to be abandoned. In a sense, those things became my youthful lusts.
Now, as I write this at twenty-seven years old, I realize there were also misconceptions about the Christian life that I needed to leave behind. The more I have read my Bible, prayed, and participated in church, the more I have learned that I am still growing spiritually. I am still learning, developing, and allowing God to shape me. Anything from my past or even my future—that prevents me from giving my whole heart to God is something I must flee from.
One way I remember this verse is by focusing on its two clear instructions. First, flee youthful lusts. Second, follow after righteousness, faith, charity, peace, and fellowship with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart.
Righteousness can be understood as being in right standing with God. Faith asks whether we trust God even when circumstances are not unfolding as we would prefer. Charity challenges us to demonstrate God’s love to our neighbors. Peace becomes the evidence that these qualities are taking root in our lives.
If we are right with God, what do we truly have to fear? If we trust Him completely, why should anxiety dominate our thoughts? If we consistently show love to others, how much room is left for selfishness? These qualities flourish when we approach life with humility and allow God to remove selfish ambition from our hearts.
The final part of the verse reminds us that we are not meant to walk this journey alone. Surrounding ourselves with like-minded believers helps us grow, remain accountable, and stay encouraged in our faith. Scripture repeatedly teaches that God’s people need one another.
When the Bible tells us to confess our faults one to another, it reminds us that healing often takes place in community. Whether we are battling stress, anxiety, discouragement, or temptation, we do not have to carry those burdens alone.
You have the ability, through Christ, to flee from the things that are preventing you from fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. Pursue righteousness, faith, charity, and peace. Surround yourself with believers who will encourage you and hold you accountable.
As you flee from what hinders you and follow after what pleases God, you will continue growing into the person He has called you to be.