As Christians, there are certain things we should always walk away from to uphold our faith and honor God. Everyday the devil presents us with obstacles to push us further off the path. We all give in to these temptations in one form or another, as none of us are perfect Christians.
Here are 10 different things that Christians should walk away from, with biblical support:
1. Sinful Temptations:
"Flee from sexual immorality." - 1 Corinthians 6:18
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." - James 4:7
2. Evil Influences:
"Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.'" - 1 Corinthians 15:33
"Therefore, 'Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.'" - 2 Corinthians 6:17
3. False Teachings:
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." - 1 John 4:1
"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it." - 2 Timothy 3:14
4. Unforgiveness and Resentment:
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32
"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." - Matthew 6:14
5. Anger and Hatred:
"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice." - Ephesians 4:31
"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." - Matthew 5:44
6. Unhealthy Relationships:
"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness?" - 2 Corinthians 6:14
"Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man." - Proverbs 22:24
7. Materialism and Greed:
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal." - Matthew 6:19
"But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction." - 1 Timothy 6:9
8. Dishonesty and Deception:
"Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight." - Proverbs 12:22
"Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another." - Ephesians 4:25
9. Gossip and Slander:
"Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered." - Proverbs 11:13
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." - Ephesians 4:29
10. Fear and Doubt:
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." - 2 Timothy 1:7
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." - Proverbs 3:5
I challenge you this week to journal how the above may effect your personal relationship with God. Write down the scripture that resonates the most with your struggles and remind yourself daily until you can recognize in your moment of sin and walk away from it. Ask yourself if this is furthering your relationship with God.
Comment below what you are struggling with the most right now.
