What steps can we take to avoid "what I did not command"? Setting the Scene: Nadab and Abihu’s Costly Presumption “Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their own censers, put fire in them, and added incense; and they presented unauthorized fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them to offer. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.” (Leviticus 10:1-2) Why God Guards His Commands So Closely • God’s commands reveal His holy nature (Leviticus 11:44-45). • Adding to or subtracting from His word insults that holiness (Deuteronomy 12:32; Proverbs 30:6). • Obedience pleases Him more than any self-chosen sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). • Love for Christ is proven by keeping what He actually says, not what we imagine (John 14:15). Practical Steps to Avoid “What I Did Not Command” • Immerse Yourself in Scripture – Read daily; aim to know what God has spoken before making decisions (Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). – Trace context: a half-verse pulled out of place can become strange fire. • Cultivate Reverent Humility – Approach God aware of His holiness, never casually (Hebrews 12:28-29). – Reject the spirit of “I know better.” Nadab and Abihu’s downfall began with presumption. • Test Every Practice – Ask: “Where is this in God’s word?” If no clear warrant appears, step back (1 Thessalonians 5:21). – Beware of popular trends that mingle worldly ideas with worship (Jeremiah 7:31). • Submit to God-Given Oversight – The sons bypassed Moses and Aaron; they acted solo. Welcome counsel from faithful leaders (Hebrews 13:17). – Accountability keeps creativity from drifting into disobedience. • Guard Against Spiritual Shortcuts – Spiritual life cannot be microwaved; quick fixes often ignore God’s pattern (Exodus 24:12-18; Acts 8:18-20). – Let God’s appointed means—prayer, Scripture, fellowship, ordinances—shape worship. • Keep the Gospel Central – We draw near through the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, not our innovations (Hebrews 10:19-22). – Anything that eclipses Christ is unauthorized, no matter how impressive it looks. Living the Difference Walking in these steps anchors us to God’s revealed will, guards our worship from presumption, and showcases the beauty of simple, wholehearted obedience: “By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.” (1 John 2:3) |
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