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Leviticus 10:1-3

“Then  Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, each took his fire pan and put fire in it, set incense on it, and presented strange fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them to do. 2 So fire went out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them so that they died before the Lord. 10:3 Moses then said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke: ‘Among the ones close to me I will show myself holy, and in the presence of all the people I will be honored.’”  So Aaron kept silent.”

I am a rule follower by nature.  I do not want to knowingly do something that is against God’s Word.  But sometimes it can be difficult to discern His will when a situation is not spelled out.  Or we can rationalize in certain “gray areas” and make our own rules as we go along and change them according to what seems fitting at the time.  It is interesting that the Scripture above says that God “had not commanded them to do”.  God had not told them that they could not offer strange fire, but He had given them directions to follow.  Aaron’s boys took liberties with God’s instructions and served the LORD their way.  Just because God did not explicitly say “do not offer strange fire” does not mean that Aaron’s sons are not culpable.

Where Scripture has not clearly spoken, it can be difficult to determine what is acceptable.  Topics such as celebrating cultural holidays, whether or not immersion is the correct way to baptize or what the church’s stance is on a homosexual lifestyle can become controversial and divisive.  Some of the above topics are clearly delineated in Scripture, while others can be found in principles that God has given to us.  It is viewed as intolerant or legalistic if one has a conviction that makes others uncomfortable, but fear of man is a snare and God is Holy.  What we need today more than ever is to accept the fact that God does have an absolute standard of holiness.  He has spoken clearly and given us everything we need to live godly lives.  When it is not clear what to do, He has also given us principles to follow and promises to give us wisdom if we ask.

Lord, help us to be still and listen to You.  Help us to seek You and follow the convictions You have placed in our hearts, and not the latest fad our culturally accepted sin.  Help us to serve You in accordance with Your will.