Defiling the Sanctuary – A Message for Young Christians

 

“When you brought in foreigners, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in My sanctuary to defile it—My house—and when you offered My food, the fat and the blood, then they broke My covenant because of all your abominations. And you have not kept charge of My holy things, but you have set others to keep charge of My sanctuary for you.”- Ezekiel 44:7-8

God has given me a message for young folks this morning.  This is specifically to the Christian youth that have not yet chosen someone to walk through this life with them either as a friend or spouse. 

The above verses were given to the Prophet Ezekiel and spoke of the pre-Christ sanctuary in which they worshipped God.  They had allowed those that were not Christians to enter, to eat, and to do as they pleased.  There was an innermost area that God would dwell and accept their sacrifices for their sins.  They had welcomed them in.

Christian friends, we all know that the Holy Spirit lives within us.  At the time of salvation, His Spirit comes to live in us, creating in us a new heart.  Not a new heart organ that pumps blood, but a new heart that controls our being.  All our actions begin with feelings and thoughts that then work their way into actions.  That is why the Holy Spirit living in our heart is so important to our walk with Christ.  We have a leader inside.

Therefore, we are now God’s sanctuary.  We are his home, the place of His Spirit.  He dwells with us in our innermost being, which is in accord with His words that He would never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).  What a great God we serve that He would choose not to just sit beside us, hoover over us, or stand behind us - but He wanted to dwell within us and help us through this life with His comfort and guidance! That’s a whole different kind of love than we humans can give. 

With that understood, please read the passage above again, and understand the sanctuary is you. 

 

The word “defile” in the above passage hit my heart.  It comes from the Hebrew word 'halah' (Strong’s H2490).  It means to profane, pollute, desecrate, make common, violate, wound, pierce, dishonor, and a lot more words along the same theme.    

Young folks, fall in love with the lost - but not their ways.  Jesus said simply  to “love one another even as I have loved you” – and no conditions attached (John 13:34).  But if you become like them, letting them lead you in different directions than the Spirit in you, you will lose your ability to disciple others.  Your light won’t shine like a beacon in the dark world.  You will become like them, defiling your light with shards of darkness.  And the longer you let them lead you, the darker the path will become. 

My young brothers and sisters in Christ, stand strong for who you are and what you believe!  Live based on your convictions, the Holy Spirit’s guidance.  Do not waiver, do not give in, or you will become defiled.  You will have given over that sacred sanctuary and “set others to keep charge” of your heart. 

Written with love for all my young Christian friends, from 16 year old me.  Let your light shine!