Where To Set Your Heart - Ezra 7:10

Sometimes we hear of Bible teachers who’ve lived secret immoral lifestyles while teaching solid Bible principles. 

We wonder how this can happen, but Scripture tells us it's because people can have an outward form of godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

They ignore God's warnings: they doubt they’re committing serious sins against their bodies when they sin sexually (1 Corinthians 6:18). 

They ignore God's promises: they think things will go well for them even if they neglect and disrespect their parents (Ephesians 6:2-3).*

They ignore God's purposes and values: they think they can pursue selfish, worldly treasures and remain right with God (Matthew 6:19-21). 

They seek to please themselves, not God.

Ezra gives us insight into true teachers of God's Word:
“Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10). 

He practiced what he preached.
--------------------
* This may seem an odd example, but God uses it as an example of wickedness in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and also in Romans 1:30. And it's a timely example because there is a growing tendency in our world to disrespect parents, and it has great impact on our society. Obviously, God considers our attitude toward our parents an important indicator of our attitude toward Him. I encourage you to read the archive of 1-minute devotions about this subject: Honoring Parents

Why not add some more of God's Word to your schedule by having a 1-minute devotion delivered to your email each weekday. Sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.