In what ways can we guard against the behaviors described in Ezekiel 23:43? Setting the Scene • Ezekiel 23 paints a vivid picture of two sisters—Oholah and Oholibah—whose repeated “adulteries” symbolize blatant, ongoing unfaithfulness to the Lord (Ezekiel 23:1-4). • Verse 43 targets the moment when the woman is “worn out by adulteries,” yet those around her still entice her to further harlotry: “Then I said of the one worn out by adulteries: ‘Now let them continue with their harlotries; she too!’”. • The immediate behaviors include moral exhaustion, calloused consciences, and a stubborn refusal to repent, all rooted in idolatry and sexual sin. Recognize the Threat in Our Times • Spiritual adultery—loving anything more than God (James 4:4). • Desensitization—growing numb to sin because “everyone does it” (Ephesians 4:17-19). • Compromise—slowly redefining purity to fit cultural norms (Romans 12:2). • Peer reinforcement—surrounding ourselves with voices that cheer on sin rather than challenge it (Psalm 1:1). Guardrails for Our Hearts • Cultivate holy fear – Keep before us the truth that unrepentant sin invites judgment (Hebrews 10:26-27). • Practice immediate repentance – Confess sin at its first appearance; don’t wait until you are “worn out” (1 John 1:9). • Uphold clear boundaries – Decide beforehand what media, relationships, and places dull your spiritual sensitivity (Job 31:1). • Remain vigilant in the Word – Daily exposure to Scripture keeps the conscience tender (Psalm 119:11). Invest in Christ-Centered Relationships • Seek accountability – Invite mature believers to ask hard questions (Proverbs 27:17). • Choose companions wisely – Walk with those who fear God, not those who normalize sin (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Serve together – Shared mission redirects focus from self-gratification to God’s glory (Galatians 5:13). Strengthen Private Devotion • Regular fasting and prayer – Fasting sharpens yearning for God and exposes idols (Matthew 6:16-18). • Meditation on God’s character – Fixing our minds on His holiness makes compromise unthinkable (Isaiah 6:1-5). • Singing truth – Worship music embeds doctrine in the heart, countering deceptive voices (Colossians 3:16). Cling to Promises That Empower Obedience • The Spirit supplies power to put sin to death (Romans 8:13). • God provides every escape route we need (1 Corinthians 10:13). • Christ’s cleansing reaches even the “worn out” sinner who turns back (Titus 3:5). Living It Out Guarding against Ezekiel 23:43 behaviors means refusing the slow slide into spiritual apathy. By treasuring the Lord above all, surrounding ourselves with truth-speaking believers, and keeping short accounts with sin, we remain vibrant, faithful, and useful in His service rather than exhausted by habitual compromise. |
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