Fight or flight? In a split second, our bodies undergo an amazing series of responses when a sudden stress places us in potential harm. In that split second, we have a choice—do we stay and fight or do we run away? And what’s the right answer?

Fighting seems like the most courageous choice—and in certain circumstances it might be. But when it comes to temptation, fighting is not the wisest thing to do. It’s also not the courageous to do.

“How can a young man keep his way pure?” asked the psalmist in Psalm 119:9. The answer…”By living according to Your word.”

What does God’s word say about sin and temptation? Avoid the initial sinful action altogether by running away! Flee sexual immorality. Flee from idolatry. Flee also youthful lusts.

This is what we see in the life of Joseph in Genesis 39. He was a young man, who kept his way pure by living according to God’s word. Not just by fleeing sin and temptation, but also by “pursuing righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)