How can we incorporate holiness into our lives, inspired by Ezekiel 41:18? The Vision in Ezekiel 41:18 “Cherubim and palm trees were carved on the wall. A palm tree was between each cherub, and each cherub had two faces.” This vivid scene in the inner sanctuary of Ezekiel’s temple marries two powerful symbols: • Cherubim – guardians of God’s holy presence (cf. Genesis 3:24). • Palm Trees – emblems of victory, righteousness, and flourishing in God (cf. Psalm 92:12). Together they picture a life that is both protected by God’s nearness and marked by visible, flourishing holiness. --- Why Holiness Matters Today • God’s character: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16) • Our calling: “Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14) • Our witness: a holy life puts God’s beauty on display before the watching world (Matthew 5:16). --- Four Ways to Carve Holiness into Daily Life 1. Cultivate God-Awareness • Set fixed times to read and meditate on Scripture (Psalm 1:2). • Invite God into ordinary moments; turn drives, chores, and breaks into short bursts of worship (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 2. Guard the Inner Sanctuary • “Do you not know that you are God’s temple…?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). • Renounce hidden sin; confess quickly (1 John 1:9). • Filter media, conversations, and influences that erode purity (Philippians 4:8). 3. Plant Palm-Tree Practices • Walk in the Spirit so that the fruit of the Spirit grows (Galatians 5:22-23). • Serve others sacrificially; holiness expresses itself in love (John 13:34-35). • Celebrate weekly rest—Sabbath rhythms remind us we’re set apart (Exodus 20:8-11). 4. Embrace Ongoing Cleansing • “Let us purify ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit.” (2 Corinthians 7:1). • Regular fasting softens the heart and heightens spiritual alertness (Matthew 6:16-18). • Accountability with mature believers keeps the “walls” clean and strong (Proverbs 27:17). --- Living Symbols: Becoming What We Behold As the temple walls bore permanent carvings, so our lives can bear lasting marks of God’s presence. Keep your eyes on the Cherubim—His holiness—and stretch upward like the Palm Tree—His victorious life. In Christ, holiness isn’t a duty but a destiny: “He chose us…to be holy and blameless in His presence.” (Ephesians 1:4) |