Most guys aren’t afraid to fight.

In fact, I had some buddies in college who seemed to genuinely enjoy it.

Fleeing, on the other hand, isn’t always on our radar. We’re taught to stand firm, hold the line, and push back when necessary—so where does fleeing fit in?

When it comes to sexual immorality—and to be clear, that’s anything outside the covenant of marriage—we’re told to flee.

But you know what we usually do instead?
We flirt.

It’s interesting when you think about it. Most guys flirt for a few reasons.

First, we like the pursuit—the idea of having something we shouldn’t.
Second, we convince ourselves it’s innocent. What’s the harm?
Third, we think we can control it—that nothing will go too far.

But after talking with countless men—some barely holding their marriages together, others whose marriages have already failed—too often it all started with one small decision to flirt instead of flee. That’s worth sitting with.

And flirting doesn’t always look the way we think it does.

It’s not always a compliment or an obvious line. Often, it shows up when we place ourselves in “hopeful encounter” situations. Maybe we change our walking route, time our gym visits, or linger a little longer in the hallway at work—all fueled by a quiet desire for an interaction we’re aiming for.

Sometimes it’s the “innocent” DM—just checking on an old friend from high school. Or lunch to catch up. Or coffee because she thinks you’re a good listener.

Look, I don’t know what sin you might be entertaining right now—but I can promise you this: if any of this makes your pulse rise, that might be your signal to flee.

I get it, bro. She laughs at your jokes. She “gets” you right now. But if you think you can manage sin, you’re no different than someone playing with rattlesnakes and wondering why they got bitten. It’s never a matter of if—only when.

So how do you course-correct?

It starts with recognition. And if something like this applies to you, it’s probably already come to mind. From there, a decision has to be made: flee or flirt.

Real men don’t flirt with sexual sin—they flee without hesitation.

Real men treat the covenant of marriage as sacred and spend their lives pursuing and flirting with the one God gave them to love, honor, and respect.

So the choice is yours.

And if you need support or encouragement in fleeing, that’s exactly why we created the Lion’s Den. Reach out. Let’s talk. I can promise you this—there is nothing like walking in the light, staying vigilant, and clinging to Christ.

Be free.