Deuteronomy 13:1-16:17
Moses reviewed God’s instructions pertaining to clean and unclean
animals, the Sabbatical year, and the Feasts of Passover, Harvest, and Shelters.
He also gave some very stern warnings against idolatry, saying “Suppose your
brother, son, daughter, beloved wife, or closest friend comes to you secretly
and says, ‘Let us go worship other gods,’ gods that neither you nor your
ancestors have known... Do not give in or listen, and have no pity.” In fact,
God says, “Do not spare or protect them. You must put them to death! You must be
the one to initiate the execution” (13:6-9).
Clearly, we can see how serious a matter idolatry was to God, if He
permitted taking another person’s life because of it. He
demanded holiness and faithfulness of His people, and idolatry crossed both of
these lines. A person who worshipped idols broke faith with God and, eventually,
one’s pagan idolatry led him to unholy or forbidden acts.
I am certainly not suggesting that we treat people like this today,
for the laws in our country are quite a bit different. We cannot kill people
because we suspect them of idol worship. However, here’s a reasonable way to
apply this warning to our lives today. The God of the Old Testament is still
the same today; His nature and character have not changed, neither have His
standards of holiness nor His attitude towards idolatry. Although we are not
permitted to take another person’s life because of this “spiritual assault,” we are
obligated to protect our own lives from “spiritual assault.”
As believers, it is so important that we surround
ourselves with godly influences, people who are likeminded and who will build us
up in Christ, education resources that are God honoring, entertainment that is
wholesome, and media
that does not tear down our faith. Whatever and whomever attempts to
distract or derail us from our devotion to Christ should be eliminated or
disconnected. We must protect our hearts and minds from the enemy. Otherwise, we may
become like the ancient Israelites, prey to any and all ungodly, harmful influences
that the world has to offer.
Daily Reflection
God is serious about your faithfulness to Him, but are you? How are
you proactively protecting yourself from “spiritual assault”? Who or what are
you allowing to influence your heart and mind?
What is the most difficult thing to ward off? Set up your strongest
defenses there.
“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the
springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23).
BiAY.org |Day 75 — 290 Days to Go
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