In, Not Of. Keep, Not Think About. (BIND – Day 9)

Bible In 90 Days – Day 9

Reading: Leviticus 14:33 – Leviticus 26:26

Take Away(s):

• In, Not Of. In 18:3-5, the Israelites are warmed by God not to follow the practices of the other people around them.  They are set apart…different.  They are in the world, but not of the world. Reminded me of the Apostle Paul and his “all things to all men” passage in 1 Corinthians 9.  Whenever I read that passage, I am reminded that Paul met people where they were – all the while, not compromising his testimony for Christ and the work at hand.  May that be so in me…through the power of the Holy Spirit!
• Keep, Not Think About. In 18:5, God says, “Keep my decrees and laws, for the man who obeys them will live by them.”  Note to self: There is a distinct difference between keeping and thinking about or even knowing.  We can’t live by simply having a good intention to obey…we must obey.  Thinking about or knowing without the actual action of keeping is fruitless.
• Made Holy – By The Holy One.  In 19:1, God says that they are to be holy for He is holy.   Quite a tall order.  Without verse 20:8 (“Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the LORD, who makes you holy.”), their (and our) efforts to be holy are futile.  Thank God for His enabling power and the Holy Spirit!  I could never measure up on my own!

If you’re participating in BIND, what were your observations?