How close is too close? Well, that obviously depends on what we’re talking about. We like to have our loved ones as close as possible. A foul smell we prefer to be as far away as it can be. An exceptional dessert we will bring near, while an approaching car we run from.
So things we keep away the things we dislike, are offensive in some way, or present a danger. We bring desirable things near.
Of course, I have not mentioned all the things that we should put far from us, nor the things that we should draw near. James 4:7-8 gives us the ultimate advice in this area. It says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
It is clear that we should stay away from evil. How do we do that? We must resist the devil in the power of the Holy Spirit. Then, the promise says, he will flee from us. It is also clear that we should draw near to God. How do we do that? We must have clean hands and pure hearts. Trust in the forgiveness Jesus offers and follow Him.
Reluctant Retiree 