Thursday, February 6, 2014

Leviticus 21 - Double Standards

There is an expectation on the part of unbelievers when they look at a person of faith. They expect a more holy standard of conduct than what the rest of the world conveys. While the average Joe may do what feels good or what he deems is right in his own mind, Christians are to be Holy. While the standard is high, the unbelievers are right in their assessment. 

In Leviticus 21, the word "holy" is the theme here. This instruction is directed at priests who had been consecrated for God's service, but it is also applicable to us since we have been adopted into God's family so that we can manifest the greatness of God to the world. God's standard is holiness and his people are called to that standard because they belong to Him and should reflect his character. When we engage in unholy conduct we defame God and separate ourselves from him and align ourselves with sin. 

We should also recognize that the standard if pure holy living was never achieved by anyone apart from Jesus Christ himself. Our striving should be toward righteousness, but there is only on Master of Righteousness and that is Jesus. Like the priest, he presents our offerings to the Father and intercedes for his people. 

We desire to please God and overcome sin with mere human effort, but only a supernatural work can put to death the sin that is at work in us. But good news!  That supernatural transaction is available to each of us if we will swallow our pride and confess our need of a Savior. Jesus is our great high priest and fulfills the demands of the law. We who belong to Him have a high standard of conduct as we serve, but we also have His spirit at work in us to accomplish it. 

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him. 

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