What does "keep My charge" in Leviticus 18:30 imply for daily living? The Verse at a Glance “So you are to keep My charge not to practice any of these abominations that were practiced before you, so that you will not defile yourselves by them. I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 18:30) What “keep My charge” Means • “Keep” (Hebrew shamar): guard, watch, hedge about with thorns • “Charge” (mishmereth): duty, assignment, responsibility • Together: actively guard every boundary God sets, treating His commands as a sacred trust that must never be breached Foundational Principles • God’s standards are fixed—our task is to guard them, not revise them (Psalm 119:89) • Obedience flows from love (John 14:15) • Holiness is non-negotiable for God’s people (1 Peter 1:14-16) Daily Implications • Vigilant obedience—know the commands, memorize them, keep them in view (Deuteronomy 11:18) • Moral watchfulness—reject cultural practices that contradict Scripture (Romans 12:2) • Personal purity—flee sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18-20) • Distinct identity—live so God’s character is visible in choices, speech, and relationships (Matthew 5:16) • Continual self-examination—“search me, O God” (Psalm 139:23-24) Practical Applications • Guard your eyes: choose media that honors God; avoid visuals that entice lust (Job 31:1) • Guard your mouth: speak truth, refuse coarse talk (Ephesians 4:29) • Guard your time: schedule regular Scripture intake and prayer (Joshua 1:8) • Guard your relationships: cultivate friendships that encourage godliness (Proverbs 13:20) • Guard your home: set clear biblical standards for your family (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) • Guard your church: uphold sound doctrine, confront sin lovingly (Titus 2:1, Matthew 18:15) Encouragement for Faithfulness • God empowers what He commands (Philippians 2:13) • Faithfulness today prepares you for greater trust tomorrow (Luke 16:10) • Keeping His charge brings blessing and protection (Psalm 119:1-2) Guard the boundaries. Treasure the Word. Live distinct. |