In what ways can we guard against spiritual infidelity in our lives today? Looking Back to Move Forward Ezekiel 23 paints the tragic picture of two sisters—Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem). Verse 11 crystallizes the warning: “Her sister Oholibah saw this, yet in her lust and prostitution she was more depraved than her sister.” (Ezekiel 23:11) Oholibah watched her sister’s judgment yet copied—and intensified—the same unfaithfulness. The Holy Spirit preserves this record so we won’t repeat it. Lessons From Oholibah’s Missteps • She ignored a clear example. Judgment had already fallen on Samaria, but sight did not lead to insight. • She allowed comparison to breed complacency: “I’m not as bad—yet.” • She pursued alliances that seemed politically useful but were spiritually lethal (23:14-16). • She mistook God’s patience for permission (23:20-21). Guardrails for Our Day 1. Keep the heart under constant watch • “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) • Ask, “What is capturing my affections?” before it captures my obedience. 2. Feed on Scripture daily • “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word… I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:9, 11) • Truth renews the mind and exposes counterfeit loves (Romans 12:2). 3. Refuse flirtation with the world’s values • “You adulterous people, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?” (James 4:4) • Entertainment, ambitions, and relationships all get screened through this lens: Will this draw me closer to Christ or entice me away? 4. Cultivate single-hearted worship • “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy… to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:2-3) • Regular corporate worship and private praise keep first love blazing (Revelation 2:4-5). 5. Practice radical accountability • “Exhort one another daily… so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:12-13) • Trusted friends have permission to ask hard questions about our eyes, screens, spending, and motives. 6. Draw firm lines before temptation arrives • “Among you… there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality.” (Ephesians 5:3) • Predetermine where you will not go, what you will not watch, and whom you will not date. 7. Lean on the Spirit, not willpower • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Moment-by-moment dependence turns duty into delight. Early Warning Lights to Notice • Diminishing delight in Scripture • Rationalizing shady choices (“Just this once…”) • Isolating from godly friends • Growing fascination with what once grieved you • Prayer life shrinking to emergencies only When any of these lights blink, pull over immediately—don’t drive on like Oholibah. Keeping the Covenant Fresh • Recall God’s past faithfulness—gratitude fuels loyalty. • Serve others regularly—pouring out keeps the heart soft. • Celebrate communion often—Christ’s sacrifice re-centers everything. Encouraging One Another to Finish Faithful • Share victories and failures honestly—light breaks sin’s power. • Memorize and text one anchor verse a week to a friend. • Gather small and often; isolation is the enemy’s playground. Ezekiel 23:11 is a sobering mirror. By guarding the heart, staying saturated in Scripture, refusing worldly flirtations, living in accountable community, and relying on the Spirit’s power, we can remain true to the One who purchased us with His own blood. |
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