In what ways can we avoid the shame described in Ezekiel 22:5 today? Recognizing the Shame in Ezekiel 22:5 “Those near and far will mock you, O infamous city, full of turmoil.” (Ezekiel 22:5) Israel’s surrounding nations shook their heads at Jerusalem’s disgrace. Her sin had become public, obvious, and humiliating. God’s reputation among the nations suffered because His covenant people — who carried His name — had abandoned His ways. What Triggered Their Public Disgrace? Read the full chapter and you see a pattern that still destroys testimonies today. • Bloodshed and violence (vv. 2–4) • Idolatry and misplaced trust (v. 4) • Contempt for parents and disregard for authority (v. 7) • Oppression of the stranger, fatherless, and widow (v. 7) • Profaning what is holy — especially the Sabbath (v. 8) • Sexual immorality in many forms (vv. 10–11) • Bribery, greed, and dishonest gain (v. 12) • Prophets, priests, princes, and people united in corruption (vv. 25–29) Their shame was not accidental; it was the unavoidable harvest of tolerated sin (Galatians 6:7–8). Timeless Steps to Avoid Their Shame • Align every area of life with Scripture – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – Regular reading, study, and obedient application guard us from gradual compromise. • Cultivate the fear of the Lord – “To fear the LORD is to hate evil.” (Proverbs 8:13) – Reverence for God makes sin repulsive, not attractive. • Practice swift repentance – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” (1 John 1:9) – Quick, humble confession prevents small cracks from becoming public scandals. • Uphold justice and mercy – “Learn to do right. Seek justice, correct the oppressor.” (Isaiah 1:17) – Treat people fairly, protect the vulnerable, refuse exploitation. • Guard sexual purity – “Flee from sexual immorality.” (1 Corinthians 6:18) – Private purity preserves public honor. • Honor God-ordained authority structures – “Children, obey your parents… Honor your father and mother.” (Ephesians 6:1–2) – Respect in the home, church, and workplace counters the lawlessness that breeds shame. • Maintain financial integrity – “Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” (Romans 12:17, KJV) – Transparency with money closes doors to accusation and ridicule. • Value the Sabbath principle – “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8) – Regular rest and worship recalibrate priorities and keep hearts tender. • Strengthen spiritual leadership and accountability – “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls.” (Hebrews 13:17) – Healthy oversight exposes blind spots before the world does. • Live missional lives before unbelievers – “Keep your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, so that… they may glorify God.” (1 Peter 2:12) – Consistent good works silence mocking tongues. Living Shame-Free in Christ • Trust fully in the righteousness of Jesus – “Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.” (Romans 10:11) – Our standing before God is secure, motivating holy conduct before people. • Walk daily in the Spirit – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) – Spirit-led living produces fruit that brings honor, not disgrace. By embracing these biblical patterns, God’s people today can avoid the public mockery that befell Jerusalem, radiating instead the honor of a life aligned with the Holy One who saved us. |
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