How can church leaders today avoid the mistakes mentioned in Ezekiel 44:8?

Setting the Scene

“ ‘And you have not kept charge of My holy things, but you have appointed others to keep charge of My sanctuary for you.’ ” (Ezekiel 44:8)

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Identifying the Mistake in Ezekiel 44:8

• Neglect of personal responsibility for God’s house

• Delegating sacred duties to those God had not authorized

• Indifference toward holiness and covenant faithfulness

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Principles for Today’s Leaders

• Personal accountability before the Lord (1 Peter 5:2–4)

• Guarding doctrinal purity (1 Timothy 4:16)

• Prioritizing holiness over convenience (Hebrews 12:14)

• Ensuring servants are regenerate and qualified (Titus 1:5–9)

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Practical Steps to Guard Against These Pitfalls

1. Stay spiritually vigilant

– Regular, humble time in the Word (Psalm 119:9–11)

– Ongoing self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5)

2. Embrace shepherding, not outsourcing

– Know the flock personally (John 10:14)

– Lead by example rather than paperwork (1 Thessalonians 2:8)

3. Vet and train ministry workers carefully

– Require a clear testimony of salvation (Acts 20:28)

– Equip through sound teaching before granting authority (Ephesians 4:11–13)

4. Maintain clear boundaries around sacred spaces

– Protect pulpit and platform from unbiblical voices (Galatians 1:8–9)

– Reserve ordinances for biblically qualified servants (1 Corinthians 4:1)

5. Cultivate a culture of reverence

– Highlight the holiness of gathered worship (Psalm 96:9)

– Encourage wholehearted obedience, not mere activity (Isaiah 1:12–17)

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Encouragement to Faithful Service

God entrusts leaders with “stewardship from God that is by faith” (1 Timothy 1:4). By remaining vigilant, guarding holiness, and personally shepherding the flock, leaders honor the Lord and avoid the errors condemned in Ezekiel 44:8.