In what ways can we avoid the "detestable practices" mentioned in Ezekiel 20:30? Immediate Context “Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Will you defile yourselves the way your fathers did, and lust after their abominations?’” (Ezekiel 20:30) The “abominations” (detestable practices) in view include idolatry, child sacrifice, sexual immorality linked to pagan worship, and blending pagan customs with the worship of the true God (Ezekiel 20:31; 16:20-21; 23:36-39). Why God Calls These Practices Detestable • They replace the worship of the living God with lifeless idols (Exodus 20:3-5). • They profane His holy name by associating Him with evil (Ezekiel 36:20-23). • They destroy human life made in His image (2 Kings 16:3; Psalm 106:37-38). • They break covenant love and invite judgment (Deuteronomy 28:15-20). Modern Equivalents to Watch For • Material or relational idols: careers, possessions, celebrities, even family placed above God (Matthew 6:24). • Sexual immorality promoted as normal or even spiritual (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). • Occult or New Age practices, horoscopes, crystals, witchcraft, fortune-telling (Deuteronomy 18:9-13). • Syncretism—mixing biblical faith with relativism, universalism, or cultural fads (Galatians 1:6-9). Practical Ways to Avoid Detestable Practices • Guard exclusive allegiance – “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21) – Daily reaffirm Christ alone as Lord; refuse divided loyalties. • Immerse your mind in Scripture – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) – A steady diet of truth exposes counterfeit beliefs. • Flee, don’t flirt – “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” (1 Corinthians 10:14) – Delete the app, change the channel, exit the relationship when it pulls you toward sin. • Choose holy community – “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 6:17) – Worship, study, and serve with believers who prize holiness. • Walk by the Spirit – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) – Rely on His power to say no to temptation and yes to righteousness. • Practice sacrificial obedience – “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.” (Romans 12:1) – Fast from entertainment, give generously, serve quietly—acts that realign the heart. Encouragement for Ongoing Faithfulness God never commands what He will not also enable. As we trust His Word, separate from idolatry, and lean on the Spirit, He keeps us “blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). Staying close to Him is the surest way to avoid the detestable practices that grieved Him in Ezekiel’s day and still grieve Him now. |
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