How can we guard against spiritual adultery as depicted in Ezekiel 16:16? The Charge of Spiritual Adultery (Ezekiel 16:16) “You took some of your garments to adorn the high places where you carried on your harlotry. Such things should never have happened or come to pass.” What Spiritual Adultery Looks Like Today • Using God-given gifts—time, talent, resources—to elevate something else above Him • Letting cultural trends, success, or relationships occupy the throne reserved for the Lord • Treating worship as a means to our own ends instead of a response of love and obedience Recognize the Root Causes • Forgetting our first love (Revelation 2:4) • Pride that says, “I accomplished this,” ignoring James 1:17 • Craving acceptance from the world (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17) • Neglecting daily communion with God (Psalm 63:1) Guardrails for the Heart • Daily Scripture intake—so truth confronts lies (Psalm 119:11; Matthew 4:4) • Active gratitude—verbally thank God for each blessing to remind yourself whose it is (Psalm 103:2) • Regular self-examination—“Search me, O God” (Psalm 139:23-24) • Consistent gathering with fellow believers for mutual encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Quick repentance when conviction comes (1 John 1:9) Steward God’s Gifts, Don’t Sacrifice Them on “High Places” • Finances—firstfruits giving guards against greed (Proverbs 3:9; Malachi 3:10) • Talents—serve the body of Christ, not personal glory (1 Peter 4:10-11) • Time—prioritize the kingdom (Ephesians 5:15-16) • Influence—use platforms to exalt Christ, not self (Colossians 3:17) Strengthen Exclusive Devotion • Cultivate awe: meditate on God’s saving acts (Deuteronomy 6:12) • Practice fasting: a tangible renunciation of rival appetites (Matthew 6:16-18) • Memorize covenant promises: they secure the heart (Isaiah 54:5; 2 Corinthians 11:2) • Sing truth: worship songs fix affection where it belongs (Colossians 3:16) A Final Encouragement “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you do not fall. No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.” (1 Corinthians 10:12-13) Staying vigilant, grateful, and surrendered keeps us faithful to the One who gave us every garment in the first place. |
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