Do not be quick to adopt uncertain practices. It’s not always appropriate to decide on a matter after the first examination. When unsure quarantine the matter for closer observation. Observe the outcome of such practices and see if it is worth imitating. Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith Heb 13:7(ESV). Take for instance this boyfriend/girlfriend issue. A recent survey shows a third of all “exclusive relationships” introduced sexual intercourse within two weeks. I’d say that’s a very risky practice. You can’t be disvirgined if you are never alone in a lonely place or behind a locked door with another, can you?
What do you observe for? The priest would check the matter for colour and depth. And if the hair in the diseased area has turned white and the disease appears to be deeper than the skin of his body, it is a case of leprous disease. When the priest has examined him, he shall pronounce him unclean Lev 13:3(ESV). If it is eating into your worship and relationship with Jesus, changing its colour; ditch it. I used to read secular novels and noticed that following this my relationship with God was affected; I could not get into His presence in praise and prayer as before, my ability to receive from the Bible was diminished. A beloved spinster complained she could not get meaning from her devotional time with God. It turned out she was keeping a relationship with another man and it was turning physical.
You may say “I still have lovely times with God”, but that’s not all. Still bring up for checks. But if the spot is white in the skin of his body and appears no deeper than the skin, and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest shall shut up the diseased person for seven days Lev 13:4(ESV). How long should I check it? 7 days? Well I guess that has to do with how long it takes to get revelation. It took Jeremiah 10 days to get a word from God. Patience. Take it again and again for re-examination until some decision can be taken.
And the priest shall look, and if the eruption has spread in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is a leprous disease Lev 13:8(ESV). Is it spreading? Taking up and replacing precious time with God and family? Such things increase the temptation rate while leaving you in a weaker state. Pharaoh’s technique I call it. Make them work so hard that they won't have time to listen to these lies Ex 5:9(CEV). Being too busy for God and family is a distraction God warns against. Remember Martha and Mary? Martha was distracted with much serving Lk 10:40(ESV). If it’s raw or spreading, changed colour or deepening: keep away! I hope you find the test useful.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment