DOs and DON’Ts
March 29th, 2006
Kimball Hodge
It appears that life is filled with “Dos and Don’ts.” The Book of Leviticus certainly demonstrates that in chapter 19. As I counted them, I noticed there were many more “don’ts” than there were “dos.” Isn’t that a very negative way to live life? Then when I read to chapter 20, it got worse. Some of the “don’ts” were about things I’d rather not even think about let alone do and the punishments for those sins listed were as drastic as they get!
How can I avoid the “don’ts” and stay on the path of the “dos?” Certainly God doesn’t expect me to spend all my waking hours just avoiding sin, does He? That would be a very negative and depressing way to go through life.
But then as I read Leviticus 19 again, I saw the answer. One of the “dos” is so powerful it sweeps away the danger of all the “don’ts.” It’s found in 19:1-2: The LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’”
That’s the secret for living a life pleasing to God. “Be holy!” The motivation for being holy is that God is holy. Note that it says, “The LORD your God.” Because of my relationship with God in Christ, I now can be holy (set apart from sin and for Him) and can live a life of “dos.” Where do I start? Look at Leviticus 20:7-8, “Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the LORD your God. Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the LORD, who makes you holy.” I “consecrate” myself (set myself apart for God’s purposes) and allow Him to make me more holy.
Life isn’t about the “don’ts.” It’s about the “dos.” I am able to do what God wants because day by day, I’m becoming more like Him – I’m becoming holy!
You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own. Leviticus 20:26
Lord, thank You for being a Holy God. And thank You for being willing to share this holiness with me as You enable me to be more holy through the power of Your Holy Spirit for I desire to “do” what will please You.
March 29th, 2006 at 12:19 pm
Thank you SO MUCH for the encouragement. My husband and I are faithfully reading through these tedious chapters and praying for insite before each reading. You have reminded us of the very important message that I think we tend to overlook - “Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” We will remember that as we continue in our readings. And we would certainly urge others to read this website and share their comments. It is a blessing to us and helps us feel “connected” to the church body.
March 30th, 2006 at 4:43 pm
Isn’t us being holy because our God is holy the focus and purpose of all of Leviticus?