Hey guys! I just got a new shirt. I was almost going to wear this morning, but I can’t yet because it's still got the price tag attached to it. Now obviously, if I wanted to, I could wear it with the price tag attached, but I don't think that would be a very good idea.
The price tag isn't part of the shirt. It’s there for a little while when the shirt is still in the sales rack but once it's mine, the tag is no longer needed. Sure you can keep the tag attached, but if you did you'd be itching the back of your neck all day. The little paper tag and the plastic strip that keeps it together is pretty irritating. Thankfully, this is an easy problem to fix. One snip and the tag is gone.
When the Israelites moved to the promised land, their brand new home. God gave them similar instructions cut off the people who already live there. Get rid of them, get rid of their idols, leave nothing. Cut them off and get rid of them. Unfortunately the Israelites didn't do as God said. The people and the gods who inhabited the land before Israel constantly irritated Israel and their God. The Israelites let the Canaanites lead them astray, worshipping false gods instead of the one true God.
The Old Testament teaches us what happens we don't cut off bad influences in our lives, they will never leave us alone and they will always be a snare for us. Some of you may need to cut some ties in your life. Maybe it's a so-called friend who's a bad influence, or maybe it's a habit. Whatever it is it'll constantly rub and irritate you until you cut it off. Get the scissors, cut the tag, and toss it away. Only then will you be free from the temptations that are holding you down.
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