Relationships and Standards

Before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, God gave them a clear warning: Unless they were careful, they could be corrupted by the people living in the land. Why? They worshipped different gods, and had different values. History proved Him right.

The Israelites might have thought that His warnings were impractical. But, whenever they ignored God’s guidance, their lives became polluted. Notably, we see this in Solomon who became involved with many women, who “turned his heart after other gods” (1 Kings 11:4).

As Jews returned from exile in Persia, those who were spiritually sensitive realized the degree to which, over time, they had been corrupted. We see this when Ezra made it a priority that Israelite men separate themselves from foreign wives (Ezra 10).

Nehemiah, too, made this a priority. He urged God’s people to renew their commitment to obey God. To do everything possible to reduce the moral pollution. To avoid corrupting influences. To stay focused on God and His Word.

Nehemiah urged everyone to make a commitment to honor God in everything they did. To realize the consequences of every action, and every relationship. To take serious His warnings. To seek to maintain His standards.

These warnings remain true today. The Bible warns us not to be “unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14). To keep ourselves from being corrupted by the world (James 1:27). Why these warnings?

God knows how easily we can be polluted by wrong influences. How quickly our standards can be lowered, and our thoughts can be corrupted. These changes can impact our health and spiritual condition. Our family and relationships.

Make a commitment to live according to God’s standards. Stay focused on His Word.