As I'm reading these "thou shalt" verses in Leviticus 19, the thought occurred to me: These are the chosen people of Israel who have been led by a Prophet of God into the wilderness. They chose to follow him. They aren't perfect. Although they are following a prophet, they have not overcome the ways of the world. That is a process, just as it is for those of us who have repented from a wicked and dark world to live worthy of living with God once more. It doesn't happen overnight or even in a few weeks or even a few miracles. It is a life-long process and pursuit.
All are equal in the sight of God and that must be our goal as well. Pray to see others as the Lord sees them. We must always be looking out for those who struggle to find means for themselves and their families. Using it all up for ourselves is a sin.
The bottom line on all of this is to love God with all our hearts, might, mind and strength and love our neighbor as ourself. This entire chapter could be boiled down to these two commandments. I listened to a podcast with Steve Young yesterday on his new book, The Law of Love. It was a captivating podcast and talked about his struggles as he overcame generational depression and the feelings of unworthiness of any good in his life. As he began to see others as the Lord sees them instead of someone to compete with, he was able to see himself in a different light as well. He is passionate about this concept and it was a game changer for him.
Now let’s talk a bit about idols. The idols we choose in our modern world are so different from what ancient Israel chose. They actively created a golden calf. That took time and sacrifice of goods (think gold and jewelry here). Are the decisions to follow the ways of the world vs God any less time consuming? What are the idols of today? I can think of a few, and there are many more for sure:
- · Celebrities
- · Body worship
- · Material possessions
- · Entertainment (wholesome and worldly)
- · Perfectionism (Yup, think about it!)
- · Social Media
- · Approval of others
Every one of these takes our eye off the "ball" so to speak. We spend time accomplishing them. If it is a celebrity, we follow them on social media, seek to dress like them and mimic them. Add to this that there will always be the next celebrity to follow. It is never ending because the “goal” keeps moving. Jesus needs to be our goal. He doesn’t change!
Body worship takes serious time at the gym as a gym rat instead of pursuing more righteous endeavors. Being fit is one thing; worshiping the fitness is the problem.
As I age, the material possessions become less of a draw. I would much rather be at home doing Family Search than in a store buying the next item that will bring happiness.
For some people, it is always the next adventure that is their draw. They keep themselves so busy in pursuit of the next thrill that the thrill of the Gospel and becoming more like Jesus becomes more of a duty than a joy. I could be wrong on this one.
Some are so focused on a perfect yard, perfect home, perfect body and wardrobe or perfect children, that they are distracted from focusing on the Savior and perfecting their relationship with Him. These goals are changing as well. There will always be the next thing to become perfect at. Again, Jesus doesn’t change!
Social media and approval of others just might be lumped together. Why do people spend endless hours making videos of themselves lying down in seductive poses and talking without a filter about whatever it is they are thinking? I don't get it.
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