In the OT, there is a challenge given to priests to maintain holy, separated lives. God gave specific commands to them ministering in the Tabernacle to avoid sin. He commanded them to NOT profane or desecrate the following in Lev. 21.
1. Their bodies
V4-5 “But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself. They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.”
2. The name of the Lord
V6a “They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God”
3. Their sacrifices
V6b “for the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy.”
4. The house of God
V12a “Neither shall he go out of the sanctuary, nor profane the sanctuary of his God”
5. Our children
V15 “Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the LORD do sanctify him.”
LESSON - In the NT, Believers were indwelt with the Holy Spirit when they received Christ, therefore becoming priests. 1 Pt. 2:9 “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Knowing this, we must realize that God’s standards have not changed for us. We should strive to be holy in our bodies and minds, setting examples for our children to follow. We should strive to be holy in service and giving to the local church. We should treat the name of God and God‘s house with the same reverence with which we treat God Himself. In doing so, we will please the Lord while showing the Lost that we are sincere in our faith. Holiness is quickly becoming a loss concept to Believers. Dare to be different!
~Mike