2 Timothy 2:22 NASB Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
In previous episodes, I have referenced this verse as the Replacement Principle. I felt that it would be important and helpful to further explore this principle.
Let me illustrate the point of this verse. Pretend that thinking about pink elephants is a spiritually unhealthy activity. Would it help you to avoid thinking about pink elephants if I said, “Don’t think about pink elephants?” Not likely. But what if I said, “Think about yellow roses!” That would be much more helpful to you. Why? Because if we focus on what to do (instead of what not to do), it gets us pointed in the right direction and we are more apt to “stay the course.”
An important aspect of the Replacement Principle is that our replacement thought (or action) should be very different from the temptation. In other words, our replacement thought or action should not flirt with temptation. We should not try to fool ourselves into thinking that we are strong enough to resist temptation if we get close to it, but not actually touch it. For example, if you have a temptation to view inappropriate, unedifying things on the internet when it is late at night and you are tired, then don’t fool yourself into thinking that you can get on the computer late at night to read the news or social media posts, and that mere willpower will keep you from slipping. You are flirting with temptation!
Pastor Chris Hodges, in his book, “Fresh Air,” says that temptation is not a test of self-control. It is, instead, a test of relationship (and, I would add, identity).
Let’s unpack that statement with a few thought-provoking questions:
With good awareness of our relationship and identity, we are better equipped to resist temptation than with mere self-control. When tempted, our growing awareness of our true identity in Christ will make it progressively easier to say, “That behavior (or that thought pattern) is not consistent with who I am in Christ,” and then to reject the temptation. If we see ourselves as a child of God who is spiritually alive in Christ, we will begin to live accordingly.
Note in today’s passage that Paul did not merely say to run away from lust, but he also said what to run toward (godly character qualities) and whom to run with (other believers). I call this the Replacement Principle.
2 Timothy 2:22 ISV Flee from youthful passions. Instead, pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace together with those who call on the Lord with a pure heart.
To summarize: The Replacement Principle states that we are to turn our focus away from what we are NOT to do, and turn our focus toward what we ARE to do (and who we are in Christ), and join with others who have the same focus.
Let me give you one practical application of the Replacement Principle that my wife and I implemented a number of years ago, that has been very helpful. Hopefully, this will help you to think of ways that you can also apply the Replacement Principle to your everyday life.
When my wife and I are together shopping, I will occasionally see something that could tempt me to ungodly thoughts (such as magazines in the checkout line of the store with scantily clad women, or even other shoppers with revealing attire). Years ago, I had asked her to help me to avoid looking at these things and she agreed to do so. At first, when she saw these things, she would say, “Don’t look over there!” But often that would instinctively cause me to actually turn toward it (out of curiosity), instead of away from it. Then my wife came up with a brilliant and clever strategy. Now she says to me, “Look at me!” Do you see how this is a wonderful illustration of the replacement principle? My wife is encouraging me to turn my focus away from what I am not to do, by turning my focus toward what I am to do!
Would you join me in this prayer?
O God, how I need to be reminded of this powerful truth! In whatever area of life that I am struggling, help me to focus on what I am to do, rather than what I am not to do. Pour out Your grace upon me in these moments, to give me both the desire and the power to do Your will. And guide me to other believers who share my focus and perspective, with whom I can lock arms and walk together “in newness of life.” (Rom. 6:4b)
Today, I encourage you to “Reflect on This.”