There are times when we struggle with bad habits or sins that could be overcome simply by removing what predisposes us to them. Jesus’ approach to sin, as evident in His teachings, was to take drastic measures in avoiding anything that entices us to sin. He made it clear that we must not condone sin when He said: “If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” (Matthew 5:30)
Of course, this doesn’t mean we should physically cut off our limbs, pluck out our eyes, or sever our toes. Rather, it means that sin should never be pampered or entertained. Don’t try to manage evil, flee from it! Take off your slippers, dust them off, and run like an African woman escaping danger. Run from anything that even appears sinful before your heart becomes desensitized to it.
There are certain movies and videos on the internet that have the power to desensitize us. You start watching, and before long, you find yourself sympathizing with a gay couple going through hard times or a lesbian whose parents refuse to accept her lifestyle. The truth is these influences subtly reshape your convictions.
Sin Thrives Where it is Tolerated
Someone struggling with masturbation should not only pray about it but also take practical steps to avoid triggers. That means staying away from sensual movies, videos, and images. Such a person must guard their eyes because Scripture says: “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). 2 Timothy 2:22 also says: “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
Someone struggling with fornication should exercise wisdom by avoiding relationships that have no clear path to marriage. If there is no intention of marriage, engaging in a romantic relationship only fuels temptation. In fact, while Paul encouraged singleness for those who could handle it, he also acknowledged that not everyone has the grace for it. He advised that if a person’s passions are too strong, it is better to marry than to struggle with lustful desires.
He said: “But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” (1 Corinthians 7:9). Rather than putting ourselves in compromising situations, as believers, we must be intentional about setting boundaries that keep us from sin.
If a person struggles with gossip or unhealthy conversations, merely praying about it is not enough. To truly bridle their tongue, they must also distance themselves from environments and people that tempt them into discussions they know they shouldn’t be having. Scripture says that we should not walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits. Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Psalm 1:1, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Proverbs 13:20).
This tells us that the company we keep influences our actions, and to live righteously, we must avoid associations that lead us into sin. This is why God did not condone sin among His people. His approach was to remove those who could influence others to sin. In fact, under the Old Covenant, there were instances where death or removal of certain people from the camp of the people was the drastic measure God took to maintain holiness among His people because: “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” (Galatians 5:9).
Of course, this doesn’t mean we should completely distance ourselves from sinners. If we were to avoid them entirely, we would have to leave the world. Besides, how then would we preach the Good News? Rather, we must set clear boundaries, especially with fellow believers who, instead of fleeing from sin, choose to condone and justify it. (1 Corinthians 5:9-10).
We live in a time when evil is closer than ever, surrounding us on every side. It is constantly in our faces, provoking and luring us to partake in it. It appears on our devices, ravages the entertainment industry, and meets us on the streets, embodied in immodesty, sensual music, and countless other forms of temptation.
But as believers, we are not helpless against sin. We can live above it when we take drastic steps to flee from it. Every believer who struggles with a particular sin likely knows the measures they need to take. The Holy Spirit has whispered it in their hearts; they have heard it in sermons. They are not without help, but the real challenge is whether they have been willing to cut off what lures them into sin.
We must, by the Spirit, put to death the deeds of the flesh if we will live righteous lives, holy and acceptable to God. Romans 8:13 says: “If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Sin thrives where it is accommodated. But when we take decisive action to remove its foothold, we walk in the victory that Christ has given us.
So while you pray for victory over a bad habit or sin, take practical steps to eliminate the sources and triggers of that sin from your surroundings. Holiness is not accidental, it is intentional. Jesus’ words remind us that overcoming sin requires deliberate and sometimes drastic action. If we truly desire to walk in righteousness, we must not only pray but also take responsibility for our choices. We cannot afford to flirt with sin or keep its triggers within reach.
Romans 13:14 says: “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” This means we must starve sin of the environment it needs to thrive. Whether it is lust, gossip, fornication, or any other struggle, the path to victory begins with removing every avenue that leads to compromise. Flee from sin. Cut off what entices you.
