How Pure My Priesthood?

“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

“And now, O priests, this command is for you. If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the Lord of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart. Behold, I will rebuke your offspring, and spread dung on your faces, the dung of your offerings, and you shall be taken away with it. So shall you know that I have sent this command to you, that my covenant with Levi may stand, says the Lord of hosts. My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him. It was a covenant of fear, and he feared me. He stood in awe of my name. True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts, and so I make you despised and abased before all the people, inasmuch as you do not keep my ways but show partiality in your instruction…

“So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.” Malachi 2:1-9,16b

The Lord takes seriously the condition and behavior of His priests. Having become the great High Priest to make His people righteous and holy, He expects that His holiness be upheld in daily relationships, work, and ministry. While He offers generous blessing to the faithful, His words are sharp and stern against the corrupt. His all-seeing eye discerns darkness and sincerity of motive, and holds accountable both spirit and behavior. (Malachi 2:10-15; 3:18-4:4)

It is a high calling to be God’s holy children and priests. We are His possession and we bear His royal name. From countenance to words spoken, reactions to intentional behavior, we are to exude His excellencies and light. To assess the purity of our priesthood, it is prudent to ask those close to us what they see, and how well we exemplify the Lord Jesus in priestly office.

Are we intentional about standing in awe of Jesus’s name in private worship? How does it tame our impulses and shape our hearts? Are we taking care to guard our spirits from the pollution of the world’s filth and greed? Are there habits or social situations we need to avoid? What distinguishes us in our communities as the Lord’s chosen and holy people, or do we look and behave like everyone else?

As for ministry as His priests, how seriously do we take our role? How and when do we stand in the gap for others, intercede in prayer, and instruct from His word through teaching and example? How can our lifestyles repel corruption and promote peace?

Lord, guard my heart and keep me vigilant to bear Your royal name and serve Your priestly purposes with the honor You deserve.