What modern practices help us avoid "abhor My ordinances" as warned in Leviticus 26:15? Setting the Scene “if you reject My statutes and despise My ordinances, and if you do not observe all My commandments, and if you break My covenant” (Leviticus 26:15). The Lord identifies a heart posture—rejecting, despising, breaking—that leads to judgment. He also graciously shows that the opposite posture—receiving, treasuring, obeying—secures blessing (Leviticus 26:3-13). The Call to Honor God’s Ordinances Today • God’s ways remain perfect and binding (Matthew 5:17-19). • Love for Christ is expressed through obedience: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). • The Spirit empowers willing hearts to walk in those commandments (Ezekiel 36:27; Galatians 5:16). Modern Practices that Keep Our Hearts Soft 1. Consistent, wholehearted Bible intake • Daily reading plans anchor the mind in truth (Psalm 119:97). • Scripture memorization stores God’s word where contempt cannot gain a foothold (Psalm 119:11). • Listening to audio Bibles during commutes fills often-idle moments with His voice (Deuteronomy 6:7). 2. Gospel-rich corporate worship • Gathering each Lord’s Day keeps believers under sound preaching and mutual exhortation (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Singing Scripture-saturated hymns realigns affections away from self (Colossians 3:16). 3. Intentional Sabbath rhythms • Setting aside one day for rest and worship reminds the soul that God—not productivity—is supreme (Exodus 20:8-11). • Unplugging from digital distractions on that day counters cultural contempt for sacred time. 4. Scripture-governed decision making • Before major choices, believers search relevant passages, seeking clear directives or principles (Psalm 119:105). • Journaling how a text guides a decision trains the conscience to cherish, not chafe at, God’s statutes. 5. Life-on-life discipleship • Older saints model joyful obedience, proving that His commands are not burdensome (1 John 5:3; Titus 2:2-5). • Accountability pairs keep short accounts with sin, preventing the slow drift toward despising what God says (James 5:16). 6. Regular self-examination and confession • A weekly review of thoughts, words, and actions under the light of Scripture exposes creeping disregard (Psalm 139:23-24). • Confession restores fellowship and renews eagerness to submit (1 John 1:9). 7. Practicing generosity and justice • Tithing and offerings demonstrate trust in God’s ordering of resources (Proverbs 3:9). • Defending the vulnerable reflects obedience to His compassionate laws (Micah 6:8; James 1:27). 8. Digital discernment • Filtering entertainment and social media through Philippians 4:8 shields the heart from content that mocks holiness. • Setting screen-time limits carves out space for prayer and Scripture meditation. Living Illustrations from Scripture • Josiah’s rediscovery of the Law sparked national repentance and covenant renewal (2 Kings 22–23). • Ezra “set his heart to study and to practice the Law of the LORD, and to teach” (Ezra 7:10), displaying the study-obedience-teaching pattern that curbs contempt. Putting It into Daily Rhythm Morning: Read a passage, note one command, pray for strength to obey. Midday: Recite a memorized verse during a break. Evening: Family or household worship—read, sing, and briefly discuss one truth applied that day. Weekly: Gather with the church, rest from ordinary work, engage in hospitality. Monthly: Review budget and schedule through the lens of stewardship and Sabbath. Seasonally: Fast from non-essential media to reset appetites for holiness. Encouragement to Persevere Jesus promises that those who “hear the word of God and keep it” are truly blessed (Luke 11:28). As hearts stay tender through these modern practices, the warning of Leviticus 26:15 turns into a testimony of covenant faithfulness, showcasing the goodness of God’s ordinances in every generation. |