Nuggets 74: Keeping House

  • B. Shelburne
  • Jun 23, 2007
  • Series: Nuggets

Under the trees, surrounded by a circle of believers, flames rose up.  They consumed a nyanga (a hollow animal horn) and other objects used for dark magic.  The witch doctor had given his life to Christ and was burning his bridges so that these things could not ensnare him again.  Luke tells in the book of Acts about sorcerers who made a public bonfire with their manuals of magic, showing that they had put these things away from them forever.

"Do not bring a detestable thing into your house," Moses commanded Israel.  Some things are detestable to God and totally incompatible with the new life you are called to.  Something we used to wear, lies we used to tell, some things we watched or listened to.  If allowed to stay, they will entangle us.  No matter how tolerant and permissive our world is, we Christians have to draw moral and spiritual boundaries for ourselves and our families.  That is part of our identity, our survival and our impact on others.  I don't mean multiplying legalistic rules, or despotism without love.  But in our heart we know that as followers of Jesus, some things do not belong under our roof. 

Jesus enlarges this idea to include housecleaning in our minds and hearts where destructive sin begins.  We need every advantage as we battle with sin.  We don't need unnecessary handicaps.  There are people you would not invite into your front door.  But have you realized that when you turn on TV or connect to the internet, you potentially invite every kind of evil inside your home and your mind?  If we love our lives and our families, we must not compromise our boundaries.  I know a young man whose life was almost destroyed by pornography his father kept in the house. 

If you are serious about serving God, you will certainly evict evil.  But that's not enough.  Above all, replace the evil with good.  Fill your hearts and your home with things positive and wholesome.  Jesus knocks at your door.  Make time for God's word and open the door for his Spirit to live in you.  The more you taste what is really good, the more evil loses its appeal.

Acts 19:18-20;  2 Corinthians 5:17;  John 3:3,5;  Deuteronomy 7:26;  Leviticus 18:22,23;  Deuteronomy 18:9-12;  27:15;  Hebrews 5:14;  Ephesians 4:22-6:9;  1 Corinthians 6:9-11;  Galatians 5:19-23;  Joshua 24:15;  Matthew 5:17-48;  Hebrews 12:1;  Ephesians 4:27;  Romans 12:9,21;  13:12-14;  16:19;  1 Peter 3:11;  3 John 11;  Matthew 12:43-45;  Philippians 4:8;  Revelation 3:20;  Colossians 3:16;  Ephesians 5:18

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Copyright 2007 by G.B. Shelburne, III.  May be freely reproduced or forwarded for non-commercial purposes provided content is unchanged and this copyright notice is included.  These shepherding messages are sent to members and friends of New Beginnings Church (www.nbchurch.com), to students and alumni of South Houston Bible Institute (www.shbi.org), and to other interested persons.

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