Ezekiel 44:23 And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.

Introductory Thoughts

Far too many Christians fail to ever achieve an extensive working knowledge of biblical terminology. Biblical discernment is a case in point. Fortunately, God provides a simple solution for those willing to put forth the effort. Because the Bible generally defines its own vocabulary, searching the word of God remains the most useful means of ascertaining accurate definitions for Bible words. Ezekiel 44:23 begins by stating that the Levites were to teach the people of God the difference between what is holy and what is profane. The second phrase in the verse indicates that teaching people the difference between the holy and profane enables them to “discern between the unclean and the clean.” Once the people are taught the difference between holy and profane, they can then cultivate their ability to discern. People who learn to discern make choices between good and evil and right and wrong. It is important to note that the knowledge of right and wrong is never the end all; the believer also must become proficient in the ability to discern.

Devotional Thoughts

· (For children): What example can you give of something that you think is good? How about something bad? God wants you to learn to always choose the good and reject the bad.
· (For everyone): Before you can nurture your ability to discern, you must recognize how your choices stack up to what is right and wrong. What effort are you putting forth to learn the difference between good and evil and right and wrong?
· How many choices do you think you make every day? Upon what are your decisions based? Are you improving at your ability to discern right from wrong? Are you able to distinguish between God’s will for your life and your own fleshly desires?

Prayer Thoughts

· Ask God to give you the wisdom you need in order to discern right from wrong.
· Ask God to show you when you have not discerned properly.
 
SONG: Open My Eyes, That I May See