In what ways can we guard against neglecting God's sacred commands? Ezekiel’s Warning in Focus “You have despised My holy things and profaned My Sabbaths.” (Ezekiel 22:8) God’s charge against Judah exposes the danger of treating what He calls sacred as common. Neglect starts small but ends in open contempt. Scripture lays out reliable safeguards. Why Neglect Creeps In • Familiarity that dulls awe • Busyness crowding out devotion • Cultural voices redefining right and wrong • Unchecked compromise that snowballs • Forgetfulness of God’s works and warnings Guarding the Heart • Hide the Word inside • Renew the mind daily • Love expressed through obedience • Watch over the inner wellspring Guarding the Calendar • Keep a true Sabbath rhythm—regular, unhurried worship and rest • Begin and end each day with Scripture meditation • Work Scripture into life’s ordinary moments Guarding Through Community • Consistent gathering and mutual stirring to faithfulness • Accountable friendships that confront drift Guarding with Tangible Reminders • Visible cues—verse cards, screen backgrounds, mezuzahs, journals • Celebrating ordinances—baptism and the Lord’s Supper reinforce gospel realities Guarding by Immediate Obedience • Act on the Word at once • Confess quickly, refuse lingering sin Guarding by the Spirit’s Power • Walk in step with the Spirit to overpower fleshly pull • Pray for an undivided heart that fears His name Final Charge “We must pay closer attention, therefore, to the things we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” (Hebrews 2:1) Closeness to the Word, rhythmic remembrance, accountable fellowship, swift obedience, and Spirit-filled vigilance keep us from despising God’s holy things and neglecting His sacred commands. |
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