God in the Midst

"One Year Bible" Old Testament History Passage
Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19

"For the Lord your God walk in the midst of your camp, to deliver you and give your enemies over to you; therefore your camp shall be holy, that He may see no unclean thing among you, and turn away from you."  Dt. 23:14 (NKJV)

The definition of holiness is the presence of God.  It is not simply rules and regulations.  It is not our human understanding of right and wrong.  The definition of holiness is the fact that God is in our midst.  He "walks in the midst of your camp." 

Morality and ethics is always a good idea.  Living with honesty, integrity, and virtue is really the smartest way to live.  Even atheists benefit from living right.  But, we who know and follow God are called to a higher way.  God is in our midst.  He walks among us and our highest desire should be to please Him -- to be in agreement with Him.  His presence changes everything.  Morality is not compliance to an impersonal code of conduct; it is relationship with the living God!

Holiness is not a matter of what you DON'T do.  It is a matter of Who you know.  Holiness flows out of a love relationship with the living God.  It is not a matter of "touch not, taste not."  It is a matter of enjoying our God to the full!  When we live in connection to Him, He then defeats our enemies.  He is in our midst!