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."
One of the greatest voids in Christianity today is holiness. We live in times when many have tried to redefine holiness to the detriment of churches, nations and lives. Society has tried to silence those who preach holiness. Those who preach and teach holiness have been portrayed as dividers and problem makers. Yet, this still doesn't change the fact that God demands His people to be holy. In the verse above, God shows how to develop a holy people.
First, God wants a difference. Notice that God says, "...teach my people the difference..." God's cry is not for unity, but His cry is for a difference. Too many times people are trying to take the difference away for the sake of getting along, when God makes it clear that there must be a difference. If we are going to fellowship with a holy God, then there must be a difference.
Second, God wants the difference identified. Notice that God says to teach them the difference between "the holy and profane..." Notice that God wanted them to discern the difference between "the unclean and the clean." Someone has to identify what is right and wrong if there is going to be a difference. You can call this judgmental all you want, but God says the difference must be identified.
Third, God wants the difference taught. Notice that God says, "And they shall teach my people..." It is not good enough just to make the difference and identify the difference, but the difference must be taught by spiritual leaders and parents. Pastors who won't preach the difference are derelict of their duties. Sadly, there are many preachers today who have chosen large crowds over responsibility. The difference must be clearly identified and taught even if it seems to be judgmental. Likewise, parents need to teach their children this difference if they want them to know the difference.
Fourth, God knew the division would create strife and division. God completely understood that when you identify and teach the difference between the "holy and profane" that those who are not living a holy life would not like it; however, you are to do right even if people get upset. God's not as interested in unity as He is holiness. You can always expect strife and division whenever one teaches holy living.
Fifth, God expects this difference to be lived. This is not a choice but a command of God. Holy living may not always be politically correct, but it will always put the Christian in favor with God. Society may look down on those who live a holy life, but God will shine His kindness on those who live the holy life. It is good to identify and teach the difference God expects, but this will do no good if you don't live it.
Are those you lead being developed into a holy people? Parents, are you developing holy children? Pastor, are you developing holy Christians? This will never be easy or popular, but it is right. There will be no conviction in the lost until the difference is identified, taught and lived.