Leviticus has led us to read alot about the concepts of clean, unclean, holiness, being set apart, and God’s Holiness. I found Leviticus 20:25-26 to be a good summary of the book. Although, I’ll say it yet again, we are not required to partake in sacrifices or alot of the Laws in this book, the concept does apply to us today with regard to our holiness before God.
Leviticus 20:25-26:
25 ” ‘You must therefore make a distinction between clean and unclean animals and between unclean and clean birds. Do not defile yourselves by any animal or bird or anything that moves along the ground—those which I have set apart as unclean for you. 26 You are to be holy to me [c] because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.
Something interesting struck me with the words distinction and set apart. They are actually the same Hebrew word, “Badal,” which means to distinguish, set aside, different than the surrounding people.
God Himself has set us apart as His children to obey, worship, love and extol Him. This requires that we are holy as He is Holy. (see previous posts) But what is also interesting is that, because we are set apart, we are required to make the distinction between things in this world that are holy, pleasing to God and things that are unclean or dishonoring of Him. As His children who are eager to please our Father, we are to set our lives around these holy things that reflect our love for Him. Make the distinction and then make the decision of whether or not to partake in that certain activity that could potentially displease our Holy Father.
Ephesians 5:15-17 wraps this concept up in a nice package with a pretty bow around it:
15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Take the words of Ephesians to heart. Act as one set apart to be holy and make the tough distinction. That decision will not be easy, but if you take the set apart road, you will most certainly be rewarded by God.
LIVE IT OUT! application:
What are some things or activities in the world around you that you need to distinguish between clean or unclean? Is it hard to stay away from the unclean things? Why? Take this to the LORD in prayer and ask Him to change your thoughts toward a more set apart mind willing to make the distinction.