What You Shall Not Do

“According to the doings of the land of Egypt . . .you shall not do; and according to the doings of the land of Canaan . . .you shall not do; nor shall you walk in their ordinances. You shall observe My judgments and keep My ordinances, to walk in them: I am the LORD your God.” -Leviticus 18:3-4 NKJV

The memories should have been vivid. The Israelites had endured years of slavery in Egypt. Yet when frustrated with problems, some fondly recalled those years, even wanting to do things as they were done in Egypt!

God had to remind them that these memories were deceptive. He had delivered them, and called them to move forward by faith. To enter the Promised Land. Knowing they would face new problems, He warned them not to imitate the Egyptians or Canaanites, but instead to obey Him.

This same warning is important for us today. How easy it is to copy the patterns we see all around us. The behavior encouraged through the media. The biases from TV programs. The conversations in the workplace. The themes echoed in social media.

God warns us not to let this world rule our lives, but be prepared for the traps and tendencies we face every day. Temptations to conform. To go along with the crowd. To forget His Word.

We are to move forward, not being “conformed to this world” but “transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Roman 12:2). Remembering that we are changed when we are born again. If we are in Christ, we are new creations: “Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Through His transforming presence and power, our eyes are opened. We know how to think. And, we keep this focus by saturating our minds with His Word. Being filled with His Spirit, sensitive to His leading. Being people of prayer. Seeking to please Him and do His will.

Prayer: Father, show me if I am letting the world influence my life. Help me to live according to Your Word and walk in Your ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen.