How can we apply the concept of sacredness in our daily Christian walk? Setting the Scene “Make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy.” – Exodus 30:35 God gave Israel a recipe that could never be treated as ordinary. The incense belonged exclusively to Him, marking His presence in the sanctuary. By calling it “pure and holy,” the Lord set an everyday substance apart for sacred use. That same principle—ordinary things made extraordinary by being dedicated to God—reaches into every corner of our lives. The Sacred Pattern in Exodus 30:35 • Fragrance: worship that rises to God alone (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:14). • Skilled workmanship: intentional, thoughtful obedience—no shortcuts. • Salt: preservation and permanence, reminding Israel that holiness is not seasonal (cf. Leviticus 2:13). • Pure and holy: separated from common use, devoted exclusively to the Lord (cf. Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:15-16). Sacredness Carried into Daily Life 1. Minds set apart • Romans 12:2—renew thinking; refuse patterns that blur the line between holy and profane. • Philippians 4:8—fill mental “incense burners” with whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable. 2. Speech seasoned with salt • Colossians 4:6—words that preserve, heal, and point to Christ. • Ephesians 4:29—no corrupt talk; every sentence offered as worship. 3. Bodies as temples • 1 Corinthians 3:16—God’s Spirit dwells within; treat habits, entertainment, and appearance as incense reserved for Him. • Romans 12:1—present bodies a living sacrifice, “holy and pleasing to God.” 4. Time consecrated • Exodus 20:8—Sabbath shows that hours can be holy. • Psalm 90:12—numbering days turns schedules into offerings. 5. Possessions dedicated • Proverbs 3:9—honor the Lord with firstfruits. • 2 Corinthians 9:7—cheerful giving turns money into sacred fragrance. Practicing Sacredness in Common Spaces • Home: – Play worship music while doing chores. – Pray briefly before sending texts or emails. • Workplace or school: – Keep a verse card on the desk as a visual reminder. – Commit to excellence “as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). • Relationships: – Treat every interaction as a chance to display Christ’s aroma. – Guard purity in dating and marriage, reflecting God’s covenant faithfulness. Guardrails that Protect Sacredness • Daily Scripture intake—Acts 17:11 pattern. • Regular repentance—1 John 1:9 ensures the incense remains pure. • Accountability with mature believers—Hebrews 10:24-25, stirring one another toward holiness. Fruit God Grows Through Sacred Living • Clear witness: a life that smells like Christ draws others (2 Corinthians 2:15). • Deep joy: Psalm 16:11—fullness of joy is found in God’s presence. • Steadfast hope: Titus 2:13—living holy keeps eyes on “the blessed hope.” By taking the incense model of Exodus 30:35 and applying it to thoughts, words, bodies, time, and possessions, believers offer God a continual, distinct aroma. What was true in the tabernacle becomes true at the kitchen sink, the office, and everywhere His people walk. |
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