How can we apply the principle of guarding sacred spaces in our lives? Seeing the Pattern in 2 Chronicles 23:6 “Let no one enter the house of the LORD except the priests and ministering Levites. They may enter because they are holy, but all the people are to keep the obligation to the LORD.” • The temple was a set-apart zone. • Access was limited to the consecrated. • Boundaries preserved purity and reverence. • Everyone else still supported the command by staying within God-given limits. Identifying Our Sacred Spaces Today • Our bodies – 1 Corinthians 6:19 • Heart and mind – Proverbs 4:23 • Gathered church – Hebrews 10:25 • Time set apart (Sabbath, devotions) • Home and family life – Deuteronomy 6:6-9 • Marriage covenant – Matthew 19:6 Why Guarding Matters • Upholds holiness – 1 Peter 1:16 • Protects fellowship – Psalm 24:3-4 • Keeps the enemy out – Ephesians 4:27 • Nurtures growth – Colossians 3:16 • Models reverence – Titus 2:7 Practical Ways to Guard Sacred Spaces Body • Flee sexual immorality – 1 Corinthians 6:18 • Steward health: rest, diet, exercise Heart & Mind • Filter media/entertainment • Memorize Scripture – Psalm 119:11 • Replace anxiety with prayer – Philippians 4:6-8 Home • Family worship/Scripture reading • Remove items glorifying sin • Maintain forgiveness atmosphere – Ephesians 4:32 Time • Schedule daily quiet time • Honor weekly rest rhythm • Protect corporate worship from conflicts Church • Arrive prepared and focused • Serve to uphold order and purity – 1 Corinthians 14:40 • Confront sin lovingly – Galatians 6:1 Marriage • Guard exclusivity • Pray and study together • Seek counsel early in conflict Digital Spaces • Use filters/accountability software • Limit mind-numbing scrolling • Speak words that build up – Ephesians 4:29 Living the Principle Each Day • Dedicate body, thoughts, and schedule to Christ each morning. • Walk through your home, thank God, and remove anything dishonoring Him. • Set reminders to pause and refocus on the Lord. • Cross the church threshold with distractions left outside. • Review boundaries with a trusted believer as seasons change. • Rejoice that guarding sacred spaces keeps open the place where we meet our holy God and enjoy His presence. |