Living by God’s Rules for Victory

Living by God’s rules for victory means rejecting the world’s standards and building life on His Word and ways.

“You shall not do what is done in the land of Egypt where you lived, nor are you to do what is done in the land of Canaan where I am bringing you … You shall keep My statutes and My judgments.”—Leviticus 18:3–5 NASB

In the wilderness, the Israelites had been isolated from many temptations. But God knew everything would change in the Promised Land where they would face many more choices as they interacted with other people.

As God’s people were about to encounter the Canaanites, He warned them to be careful not to “walk in their statutes” (v. 3). He had given His people different standards and values by which to live. Their lifestyle was to be different from the surrounding nations.

What key did God give His people for living in victory and avoiding failure? Keeping His statutes and judgments. This meant knowing His standards and making them the basis of their lives. Rather than being governed by the world’s rules, they were to live by His rules! God promised that whoever lived according to His rules would “find life through them” (v. 5 NLT).

These same principles are true in our culture today. It can be easy to copy the people around us and base our lives on their standards, accepting their judgments and values. But just as He did for the Israelites, God warns us not to allow the world’s rules to rule our lives. We must know and follow His ways.

Be alert for temptations and traps. Don’t conform to the world’s standards. Renew your dedication to God and His Kingdom. Fill your heart and mind with His Word and base your life on His rules.

Reflection Question: What changes can you make to align your life more with God’s rule?