Leviticus chapter 18: verses 1-5 (NIV)
The LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘I am the LORD your God. You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the LORD your God. Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the LORD.”
Even early on in their journey with the Lord’s presence with them, it seems that some of the Israelites were making sacrifices to other gods. (“They must no longer offer any of their sacrifices to the goat idolsto whom they prostitute themselves.” Exodus chapter 7 verse 17) I’m sure these practices will have been picked up in Egypt, but they had seen so much of God’s miraculous power that it seems strange that with God in the camp some had fallen into old habits. God wanted them to set the example and not follow the example of others. We know that God’s ways are higher than ours and He wants us to walk in them.
But we are often, in this current age, subject to pressure from others to go with the majority, to go with the flow, and yet God wants us to set the standard, not to follow it. We have the Holy Spirit with us, but we mustn’t be complacent; old habits die hard and we too can slip back into them if we are not careful. That’s why we can’t be too judgmental of others who do. Instead, we should offer them support and encouragement to get back on the right road.
Dear Lord,
Help me to keep my focus on Your ways and not be tempted to follow what others are doing. I know that Your ways are right and just and that by walking in them I can set Your example to others. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.