People that we associate with, influences the standard by which we live. If we live among the rich, we try to imitate them as best we could. If among the poor, we try not to be extravagant so as to stand out. If among Christians, we try to speak the lingo and live like them. However, if among unbelievers, it seems like we soon become uncaring, selfish and suddenly have no interest in the things of God. As we study this Scripture today, let us take time to see that the same reasons God spoke wisdom to the Israelites in transition, is exactly the wisdom we need to be reminded of as we transitions from darkness to Light.
DATE POSTED Saturday, 2022-03-12
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL
BY: Ed Algreen
SCRIPTURE FROM: Leviticus 18:1-5
TRANSLATION: GOD’S WORD® Translation (GW)
BIBLE TEXT: 1 The LORD spoke to Moses, 2 “Tell the Israelites: I am the LORD your God. 3 You used to live in Egypt. Don’t live the way the Egyptians do. I am bringing you to Canaan. Don’t live the way the Canaanites do. Never live by their standards. 4 Follow my rules, and live by my standards. I am the LORD your God. 5 Live by my standards, and obey my rules. You will have life through them. I am the LORD.
APPLICATION: This message from God made me think of how God must feel when we move from one phase in life to another; one geographical location to another; and perhaps even in the case of a new Christian. In the case of the later, we welcome a new Christian into the faith, or perhaps into our church membership, but can we truly identify with them? It may be challenging for more mature Christians to remember what it was like as an unbeliever, so I become concerned whether we are careful enough to truly hold the hand of that new Christian and help them through the transition. If we don’t, then what will their guide be to help them truly assume the standards of God? Based on what God told the Israelites, I believe He is says to a new Christian: ‘look, I have called you out of that life given to sin and the things of the world’s leader (Satan), and I have called you to be my child. I want you to be holy, just as I am holy. In doing that, you will no longer characterize the way that unbelievers live, but rather in accordance with all that I have exampled for you’. But here is the challenge that should speak to each Christian meditating on this blog today: Which Christian man or woman would you think God would consider suitable for leading this new convert into the ways of God; loving the way that God loves; treating others the way that God does – regardless of race, color or creed? Let’s never forget that making a complete turnaround in the difference one once lived, to now live a totally changed life in the ways that God designed, and demands His children to live, is anything but easy or automatic. Having a mentor who can show the new Christian how it’s done, and to answer any questions that might arise in their mind, is something that might help both parties better honor the commands of God and follow His standards. God didn’t want the Israelites bringing the rotten ways of the Egyptians with them, nor did He want them picking up the bad habits and sin of the Canaanites. He wanted them to start anew in following Him – the God who brought them out of bondage and into the new land He had prepared for them. I’m sure that He has a similar message for all Christians today – don’t pick up the bad habits of those you hung around, but instead obey my commands and be true to my standards. God being my helper, I will seek to live in a way pleasing to Him. I pray that each reader and listener will be touched by God and determine in themselves do the same. May our lives be a true example of who Christ is.
BLESSING(S) NOTED: God had blessed the Israelites; freed them from slavery by the Egyptians; prepared a new land for them that was rich in great food and other provisions; and He also blesses them during their transition from Egypt. Awesome to see that God wants His very best for us, in spite of all that He had already done for His people. He insisted that they shake off the bad habits and practices of the Egyptians, don’t plan on adopting any of the habits of the Canaanites, but instead live a life that’s pure in His sight. I believe He wants the same for us – to be like Him!
PRAYER: Thank You Lord for wanting Your very best for us. Thank You for steering us away from the bad habits of yesterday – before we knew you, and also from the danger that lies ahead where we might be tempted to follow the bad habits of our new habitation. There is no one like You Lord! Thank You for teaching us to be more like You in all that we are. May we be an awesome example of Your love wherever we go and with whomever we come into contact with. Oh that they will see Jesus, and yearn to know You personally. AMEN!