How can we discern "between the holy and the common" in daily life? Key Verse “They shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the common, and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.” (Ezekiel 44:23) Holy and Common—What Do the Words Mean? • Holy: set apart exclusively for God’s purposes (Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 1:15-16) • Common: ordinary, everyday, not necessarily sinful but not consecrated • Unclean: anything that defiles, displeases, or distances us from God (Leviticus 10:10) Why the Distinction Still Matters • God’s character has not changed—He remains holy (Malachi 3:6) • Believers are now His temple and must reflect His holiness (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) • Setting apart what is holy guards fellowship with the Lord and protects our witness (Romans 12:1-2) Daily Checkpoints for Discernment • Scripture Saturation – Measure every thought, attitude, and practice against clear biblical teaching (Psalm 119:11) – Let the Word renew perspective before decisions are made (Colossians 3:16) • Prayerful Sensitivity – Ask the Spirit to spotlight anything that grieves Him (Ephesians 4:30) – Pause and listen when conscience signals unease (John 16:13) • Purpose Evaluation – Does this activity, relationship, or purchase move me toward God’s purposes or away from them? – If it weakens devotion, treat it as common at best—potentially unclean • People Influences – Walk with those who call you higher (Proverbs 13:20) – Limit voices that normalize compromise (1 Corinthians 15:33) • Stewardship Lens – Time, talents, and treasure were entrusted for kingdom use; ask “Whose glory?” each time you allocate them – Honor God first; everything else orders itself (Matthew 6:33) • Mind Gatekeeping – Guard input: media, music, conversations (Philippians 4:8) – If it muddies your mind, it cannot help your holiness Practical Examples • Entertainment: choose content that feeds the spirit, reject what normalizes sin • Speech: words that bless are holy; sarcasm or gossip drifts into common or unclean • Work Ethic: excellence offered to God sanctifies even secular tasks (Colossians 3:23-24) • Rest and Recreation: when acknowledged as gifts from God and used within His boundaries, they remain holy; when indulged selfishly, they slip into common Living Set Apart—The Ongoing Call • Holiness is not withdrawal but dedicated presence—bringing God’s distinct flavor into every sphere (Matthew 5:13-16) • The line between holy and common sharpens as we consistently obey; blurred lines clear again when we repent (1 John 1:9) Keep training the heart daily; what begins as conscious choice soon matures into instinctive discernment, fulfilling the charge of Ezekiel 44:23 in ordinary life. |
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