A Simple Reflection on Why This Ancient Verse Still Matters
“Her priests do violence to my law and profane my holy things; they do not distinguish between the holy and the common; they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean; and they shut their eyes to the keeping of my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.” (Ez. 22:26)
The Bible holds many verses with powerful messages. Ezekiel 22:26 is one such verse. It packs a real punch, even if you’re not someone who spends a lot of time reading scripture. In plain language, it’s about leaders letting down the people they were supposed to guide. The verse calls out priests who forgot their duty to keep things sacred and meaningful. Instead of showing the difference between right and wrong, they turned a blind eye. They ignored the differences between holy and ordinary, clean and unclean. They even ignored the Sabbath—an important day set aside for rest and honoring God. Their neglect caused real harm, not just in religious terms, but in the daily lives of the people around them.
The Role of Leaders: More Than Just a Title
In Ezekiel’s time, priests were like spiritual guides for everyone. They were supposed to help people understand what mattered most, and protect traditions that kept the community strong. But the verse shows what happens when those in charge lose sight of their purpose. When leaders don’t care about what’s right, the whole community can start to drift. People forget what’s important, and the line between good and bad gets fuzzy.
Why It Mattered Back Then—And Still Does Now
Ezekiel lived during a tough period, when many people were forced from their homes and needed hope. He pointed out that the community’s problems started at the top, with leaders who didn’t take their roles seriously. Their carelessness didn’t just break religious rules. It contributed to bigger issues like injustice. It also led to people turning away from the values that kept them together.
Bringing It Home: What Can We Learn?
You don’t have to be a priest or a pastor for this verse to matter. If you’re a parent, a teacher, a coach, or anyone others look up to, the message is clear: Integrity matters. People count on you to help them know right from wrong. They rely on you to keep traditions that make life meaningful. You show them what it means to live with purpose.
Keep What’s Sacred—Sacred
Today, it’s easy for special moments and values to get lost in the shuffle. This verse challenges us to protect what’s meaningful. These may include family time, personal faith, or simply being honest in our daily choices. When we don’t take these things seriously, it’s not just about us—it affects everyone around us.
Don’t Forget to Rest
Neglecting the Sabbath isn’t just a religious issue; it’s a reminder to slow down and recharge. In a world that never stops, making time for rest and reflection keeps us grounded. It helps us appreciate life and connect with things bigger than ourselves.
Accountability Starts with Us
Ezekiel 22:26 isn’t only about leaders—it’s about all of us. It invites a little soul-searching: Are there things we’re neglecting that used to be important? Have we blurred the lines between what’s right and wrong? Have we let go of routines that brought us peace and balance? Taking a moment to think can help us get back on track.
When you pause and look at your own life, do you see values or habits you once cherished? Have those moments slipped away? What small steps you can take today to reclaim what truly matters?
Practical Applications: Living Out the Message of Integrity and Holiness
Ezekiel 22:26 was written thousands of years ago. Its challenge to live with integrity is timeless. Honoring what’s sacred is just as relevant now. Here are some practical, down-to-earth steps you can take to bring these teachings into your everyday life:
- Set Clear Boundaries for What Matters
- Identify a few core values or routines—like honesty, kindness, or family time—that you want to protect. Write them down, share them with those close to you, and make conscious choices that show their importance. When faced with a tough decision, pause and ask yourself: “Does this align with what I hold sacred?”
- Honor Your Commitments
- If you’ve promised to help, show up. If you value rest, carve out time for it, even when life feels busy. Treat appointments, traditions, and moments of connection as sacred, resisting the urge to double-book or cancel without good reason. Integrity grows from the small, everyday choices we make.
- Practice Mindful Rest
- Set aside one day a week—or even just a few hours—as your personal “Sabbath.” Disconnect from work and digital distractions. Spend that time with family, in nature, or in quiet reflection. Use it to recharge and reconnect with what’s most important in your life.
- Lead by Example
- Whether you’re in an official leadership role or simply a friend others turn to, lead by example. Display the values you wish to see. If you make a mistake, own it and make it right. Talk openly about the importance of boundaries and traditions, inviting others to join you in honoring what’s meaningful.
- Regularly Reflect and Adjust
- Schedule a short check-in—weekly or monthly—to reflect on your actions and attitudes. Ask yourself: “Am I living in line with my values? Are there habits I’ve let slip, or areas where I can do better?” Make small, achievable changes to get back on track.
- Encourage Others to Do the Same
- Support friends, family, or colleagues as they set their own boundaries and pursue integrity. Share your journey, listen to theirs, and celebrate growth together. When everyone takes responsibility for their influence, whole communities become stronger and more compassionate.
By putting these steps into practice, you can turn the message of Ezekiel 22:26 into real-life actions. These actions benefit both yourself and those around you. Integrity isn’t just a lofty goal—it’s a daily habit, built through mindful choices and a commitment to what matters most.
One Simple Takeaway
At the end of the day, Ezekiel 22:26 is a wake-up call. It reminds us to live with intention. We should honor what’s sacred. Lead by example, whether you’re guiding a whole community or just looking out for your own circle. Even though it’s an old verse from a time long ago, its message is still fresh. We should strive to be people of integrity. Let’s protect what’s meaningful, and take our responsibilities to heart.
No matter who you are, the challenge is the same. You need to step up. Think about your life. Commit to living with honesty and purpose. That’s how we can keep our lives—and our communities—on solid ground.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 