SEPARATE
Today's reading:  Leviticus 13-15

"In this way you will keep the people of Israel separate from things that will defile them, so they will not die as a result of defiling my Tabernacle that is right there among them."  Leviticus 15:31 NLT

I cannot say I enjoy reading about the skin diseases, mildew-y houses and personal hygiene public service announcements given to the Israelites.

I could think of a thousand other things God might speak to my heart about this morning.  Faith, love, spiritual gifts, even sin.  But I read through.  I continued on.  I knew He would speak.

And He did--when I got to the last two verses of my Bible reading...about being separate.

Separated from things that will defile me and, in turn, defile the church where I worship.

Things I could 'catch' and spread among the pews of my place of worship.  Ideas, outside of God's, I might take up and pass on like germs.  Assumptions and expectations that are worldly and not godly. Attitudes that spread like wild-fire and break down the healthiest among us.

A possible epidemic averted.

He tells me to keep myself clean, holy, usable.  Unaffected by the sins that run rampant.  Ready for His service and use.