THE DANGER OF VIOLATING THE SACRED

 

The curse of poverty  is broken because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.
Good -Life Devotional:  THE DANGER OF VIOLATING THE SACRED

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
Key Text: "It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry." (Proverbs 20:25, KJV)
   One common objection raised against biblical teaching on consecration, offerings, and holy things is that God does not care how people treat what has been dedicated to Him. However, Scripture consistently teaches that God distinguishes between the common and the sacred. Proverbs 20:25 warns that it is dangerous to treat holy things carelessly and then attempt to justify one's actions afterward.
   A powerful example is found in the account of Achan. God had devoted certain spoils of war at Jericho to destruction, but Achan secretly took some of the accursed items. As a result, Israel suffered defeat in battle at Ai. God declared, "Israel hath sinned" (Joshua 7:11-15). The presence of the accursed thing brought judgment and hindered God's blessing upon the entire nation. This demonstrates that violating what God has declared sacred carries consequences.
   The New Testament also teaches stewardship of things dedicated to God. Believers were instructed to systematically set aside a portion of their resources for God's work: "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store" (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Paul described these offerings as "an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God" (Philippians 4:18). What is dedicated to God should be treated with reverence and integrity.
   Furthermore, the Christian's body is sacred. Romans 12:1 commands believers to present their bodies as "a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God." Christians do not belong to themselves but have been set apart for God's purposes. Therefore, abuse of the body through sin, immorality, or destructive practices violates what God has consecrated.
   Jesus reinforced this principle when He healed the man at Bethesda and later warned him, "Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee" (John 5:14). This statement shows that persistent disobedience can lead to spiritual and even temporal consequences.
    The biblical evidence is clear: God takes seriously whatever has been dedicated to Him. Whether it is offerings, vows, possessions, or our own bodies, the sacred must not be treated as common. Proverbs 20:25 is therefore not a superstition but a timeless warning. Respect for God's holy things brings blessing, while contempt for them invites trouble. The wise believer honors God by faithfully stewarding everything that has been consecrated to His service.
Additional Scriptures: Malachi 3:8-10; Acts 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Ecclesiastes 5:4-5; Hebrews 12:28-29.
This  biblical doctrine of the sacred is rooted in both the Old and New Testaments: God expects reverence toward whatever is dedicated to Him, and Scripture repeatedly shows that violating the sacred brings spiritual consequences.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive Him as Lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to overcome temptation.
+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
Join us on Tuesdays in Garden city Radio FM 89.9 port Harcourt by 5:45 pm