8.12.25 ~ Don't Imitate

Good morning!

The past couple of days we've focused on 'imitating'. To imitate is to learn how something is done and then do it. Thanks, Mr. Obvious :-)

On the flipside of imitating is the negative statement of what we should not learn: you shall not learn/lo tilmad to do /la'asot the abominations of those nations you are going to dispose of (Deut. 18:9). 

At first blush, we might say to ourselves, "self, I feel so good about myself because I don't do those abominable practices such as witchcraft, sorcery, barbarism, cannibalism or murder...you know the big bad stuff.  I don't worship idols. I don't sacrifice my children.  I'm not practicing astral projections. I don't...(you can fill in the blank :-). Yeppers, I'm feeling good about myself! 

And this list is to be commended. Congratulations! But imitating, learning and doing, what the abominable practices of the nations goes a step further. When my education is focused on the values of the godless nations it's going to have a huge impact on my status as set apart/holiness  people for God's purpose among the nations (1 Pet. 1:15-16). 

When I look at my education, which is never ending, I ask myself the question: "What is the goal of all this learning and doing? Is it to better understand God’s call on my life, the purpose He designed me to fulfill? Or was it about getting a better job, a career, a sense of financial security without giving Him the glory for providing my wealth (Deut. 8:10-20)?

Did I train myself  in righteousness with the same fervor that I trained for sports, for gaming, for peer acceptance? Did I practice holiness with as much concentration as I  put into my singing,  art, tennis, baseball, photography, anatomy & physiology, mountain climbing, paragliding and even my biblical studies?

And what did I make of all that education and practice? Did I make things that honor Him? That enhance His world? That recognize His sovereignty? Did I do things that lift up His name? That demonstrates His concern for the earth and its people? Oh my, now we've gone from a morning devotion to meddling. Yiker-doodles! 

Did I  pursue Him with the same gusto I  pursued my career advancement? Was my dedication to the Kingdom (Matt. 6:33) or to carve out a place in life where I am  known? Was I more concerned about recognition or about service?

What exactly did I learn to imitate from the world around me? Maybe I can look back at all I've learned and done to say, "I've avoided all the pagan practices of the spiritualism of Canaan," (nice job Mr. Obvious), but have I really avoided the underlying principles of Canaan: beliefs in fate and forces, manipulating what I can to get what I want, and fear of the future?

When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, where you go to possess them, and you overcome them, and dwell in their land; Take heed to yourself that you are not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before you; and that you enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. You shall not do so to the LORD your God: for every abomination to the LORD, which He hates, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods."

(Deut. 12:29-31)

You might be asking yourself the question, "Hey Mr. Obvious, 

what planet are you living on? I've got to make money. I've got 

to keep learning to keep up with the 'flow of traffic'  on this "spinning ball". 

And I'll respond, "you are right! How are you viewing all of your gain"?

Let me finish this morning's study with a challenge: Read Deuteronomy 8:10-20 and, in the midst of all your pursuits for security in this world, do you realize that it is God Who has provided everything you have? He's the One Who gives and takes away (so many lessons to learn :-). Hence, the Apostle Paul says, "in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thess. 5:18)...Did you know that he's summarizing from our passage in this week's Torah portion (Deut. 8:10-20); and literally all the instructions of God's Word :-)

Keep learning! Keep doing it! Keep imitating those who are successful! And never forget who has blessed you with all of your wealth (spiritually, emotionally, physically, relationally and financially).

Shalom!

Alan

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