I write about Stuff

“Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.” — 2 Timothy 2:22 (NLT)

Every now and then, we hear a story about someone who had to make a drastic choice in order to survive — a choice that seems unthinkable until you realise the alternative. Those stories stay with us because they reveal something true: sometimes the only way to live is to leave.

Most of us won’t face life‑or‑death situations like that, but we do face moments where staying in a certain environment, relationship, or pattern quietly harms our spiritual wellbeing. And in those moments, Scripture gives us permission — even encouragement — to walk away.

Paul’s words to Timothy are direct but compassionate: “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts.” In other words, when something pulls you toward who you used to be rather than who God is shaping you to become, don’t linger. Don’t negotiate with it. Don’t try to manage it. Just move.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about wisdom. It’s about recognising that we are shaped by the spaces we inhabit and the people we surround ourselves with. And it’s about trusting the Holy Spirit, who nudges us when something isn’t right. Jesus said the Spirit would convict us — not to shame us, but to protect us. Those inner warnings are like a fire alarm or a dashboard light. They’re not there to annoy us; they’re there to save us from harm.

We’ve all had moments when we suddenly realise, “I shouldn’t be here.” Maybe it’s a conversation that’s heading in the wrong direction. Maybe it’s a group that brings out the worst in us. Maybe it’s a habit we know is slowly eroding our peace. Maybe it’s a relationship that keeps pulling us away from who we want to be. When that awareness rises, the wisest thing we can do is listen — and leave.

Paul also reminds us to “put on all of God’s armour” so we can stand firm. But standing firm doesn’t always mean staying put. Sometimes the strongest stance is taken by stepping back, stepping out, or stepping away. God always provides a way out — not because we’re weak, but because we’re loved.

And here’s the grace in all of this: God never asks us to run from something without also inviting us to run toward something better. Paul says to pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace — and to seek out the companionship of people who help us grow. Walking away from what harms us creates space to walk toward what heals us.

And what will you do now?

Where might God be inviting you to step away so you can step toward something healthier?