Numbers 33 From Genesis to Revelation, one theme is prominent: we are to be a holy people. As the people of Israel are nearing the end of their wilderness wandering, Moses takes them aside to remind them of this premise. They must purge the land of the idolaters and their idols. “Destroy all their carved images, all their molten images, and demolish their high places.” Then God gave them a warning: “But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land before you, then those whom you allow to remain will be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your side, and will cause you trouble in the land where you will be living.” Further: if you do not do what I intended to do to them, I will do it to you. 

God is very clear; He demands holiness. He does not want his people to be touched or to embrace that which are unholy. 

Although written to the Israelites, it applies to us as well. Peter reminded the sojourners of God’s words: “You shall be holy because I am holy.” We can only do that when we are purged from our sin by the blood of Jesus Christ. In writing to the Romans, Paul reminded them; do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. We can only do that when we immersed in His Word daily. 

In thinking about this, what idols may we still be bowing down to? Is our mind clear and conformed to Christ?