“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:22).

Paul encourages Timothy to present himself as an approved worker before God (v. 15) and as a vessel of honor who is useful for his Master and prepared for every good work (v. 21). In doing so, he gives the young evangelist two commands that require continuous action.

“Flee” is from the Greek word pheugo which means “to flee away, seek safety by flight” (Thayer 651). This is a no-nonsense word, describing one who is escaping danger. Joseph perfectly illustrates this action when he left his garment and fled from Potiphar’s wife (Gen. 39:12).

“Pursue” is translated from dioko. This Greek term means “to run swiftly in order to catch some person or thing, to run after” (Thayer 153).

Both words involve intense and purposeful motion: the former to escape and the latter to catch and obtain.

The youthful lusts Timothy is to flee are not identified. We know what such lusts are. The objects of his pursuit are righteousness (doing right by one’s fellowman), faith (keeping one’s word), love (active goodwill), and peace (a state of harmony with others).

Timothy is not alone in this endeavor. He is joined by those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Fleeing and pursuing are much easier when we do them with those of like precious faith.

The Christian life is not to be static. When situations arise that would harm us spiritually and threaten our influence for Christ, we must flee. In becoming a vessel of honor in the house of God (vs. 20-21), there are some specific things we must pursue. Is your spiritual life on “cruise control” or are you taking an active approach in protecting and increasing your faith?