THE DANGER OF HANDLING HOLY THINGS CARELESSLY

THE DANGER OF HANDLING HOLY THINGS CARELESSLY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Chronicles 13:7-10

Supporting Texts: Leviticus 10:1-2; 2 Samuel 6:6-7; Numbers 4:15; Hebrews 12:28-29; 1 Corinthians 11:27-30

INTRODUCTION:
In today’s world, familiarity with spiritual activities and religious practices can easily lead to a loss of reverence. Many have become casual in the way they handle sacred things — from the Word of God, to the sacraments, to spiritual offices and responsibilities. But Scripture gives us strong warnings about the dangers of treating holy things carelessly.

One such warning is found in the story of Uzza, who touched the Ark of the Covenant with good intentions, but in violation of God's command, and was struck dead immediately. This powerful event highlights that God's holiness must never be taken lightly, no matter our motives.

This Bible study calls us to reassess our attitude toward the sacred. It reminds us that God’s instructions are not suggestions and that divine things demand divine order and deep reverence.

1. GOD’S PRESENCE DEMANDS REVERENCE

a) God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:28-29):
God’s nature is holy, and He must be approached with fear, awe, and honour. To treat Him casually is to ignore the fire of His presence.

b) Reverence is shown in obedience to divine instruction (Leviticus 10:1-2):
Nadab and Abihu offered strange fire before the Lord and were consumed because they acted contrary to God's command. Reverence is not just in attitude, but in strict obedience.

c) The Ark was not to be touched (Numbers 4:15):
God had already given clear instructions that no one, not even the Levites, should touch the holy things lest they die. Uzza’s death was a violation of that sacred order.

d) Reverence protects us from judgement (1 Corinthians 11:29-30):
When we fail to discern the Lord’s body and handle sacred ordinances carelessly, it exposes us to judgement and even untimely death.

Biblical Example: Moses before the burning bush (Exodus 3:5):
God told Moses to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. Reverence is the proper posture in God's presence.

2. GOOD INTENTIONS CANNOT REPLACE OBEDIENCE

a) Uzza meant well, but acted wrongly (1 Chronicles 13:9-10):
Though Uzza tried to prevent the Ark from falling, he violated a divine instruction. God does not reward good intentions that contradict His Word.

b) Obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22):
God values obedience more than any form of well-meaning action or sacrifice. It is the test of genuine love and submission to Him.

c) Human methods do not apply to divine matters (2 Samuel 6:3):
The Ark was placed on a cart like the Philistines did, instead of being carried by Levites. God does not want His people copying the world’s way of doing things

d) God's holiness does not bend to human logic (Proverbs 3:5-6):
We must trust God’s ways even when they seem inconvenient or illogical. His commands are not negotiable.

Biblical Example: Saul offering the burnt offering (1 Samuel 13:8-14):
Saul disobeyed God by taking on the priest’s role and lost his kingdom despite his good intention to rally the people.

3. FAMILIARITY WITH HOLY THINGS BREEDS CONTEMPT

a) Uzza grew up around the Ark (2 Samuel 6:3):
Because the Ark had been in his father’s house for years, Uzza might have lost the sense of awe he once had. Familiarity dulled his reverence.

b) Spiritual things must never become ‘common’ (Ezekiel 22:26):
When we fail to distinguish between the sacred and the profane, we violate God’s holiness. Spiritual leaders and worshippers alike must maintain this distinction.

c) Sacred responsibilities should be handled with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12):
Our salvation, calling, and every divine responsibility should be approached with utmost humility and seriousness.

d) Regular exposure to the things of God requires deeper humility (Luke 12:48):
“To whom much is given, much is required.” Those who have greater access to the things of God are held to higher accountability.

Biblical Example: Eli’s sons (1 Samuel 2:12-17):
Hophni and Phinehas, though priests, treated God’s offerings with contempt. Their familiarity with priestly duties led to judgment.

4. IGNORANCE IS NOT AN EXCUSE IN SPIRITUAL MATTERS

a) Uzza paid the price for violating a divine order (1 Chronicles 13:10):
Whether knowingly or unknowingly, Uzza touched what was forbidden. The law had already been given and ignorance did not spare him.

b) The Word of God must be known and followed (Hosea 4:6):
God said, “My people perish for lack of knowledge.” Many suffer because they do not take time to study or understand God’s Word.

c) Leaders must teach God’s standards clearly (Nehemiah 8:8):
The Levites explained the law to the people so they could understand and obey. Every believer has a responsibility to learn.

d) God’s instructions are accessible (Deuteronomy 30:11-14):
His Word is near to us, not hidden. We cannot claim innocence when we neglect it.

Biblical Example: King Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16-21):
King Uzziah ignorantly and pridefully entered the temple to burn incense. God struck him with leprosy for dishonouring priestly boundaries.

5. RESTORING HOLY FEAR IN WORSHIP AND SERVICE

a) David learned from the tragedy (1 Chronicles 15:2, 13):
After Uzza’s death, David realised that God must be sought “after the due order.” He corrected his approach.

b) True worship requires alignment with God’s Word (John 4:24):
Worship in spirit and truth is not just emotional expression but includes obedience and submission.

c) Holiness must return to the church (Hebrews 12:14):
God still demands holiness. Without it, no one will see the Lord — no matter their gifts or position.

d) Reverence opens the door to God’s favour (Psalm 25:14):
Those who fear the Lord are given access to His covenant secrets. God honours those who honour Him.

Biblical Example: The return of the Ark to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:14-15):
This time, the Levites carried the Ark the right way, and God helped them. Obedience restored blessing and joy.

CONCLUSION:
The story of Uzza is a sobering reminder that God’s holiness is not subject to human emotions, logic, or intentions. Even well-meaning actions can bring grave consequences if they violate divine order. The sacred must be handled with sacred fear.

Let us renew our reverence for the things of God—His presence, His Word, His sacraments, and His calling. In doing so, we open ourselves to His favour and avoid the dangers of carelessness in sacred matters.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to approach Your presence with holy fear and reverence.
2. Father, deliver me from every form of spiritual carelessness and presumptuous sin.
3. Lord, teach me to obey Your Word completely, even when it contradicts my logic.
4. Father, restore a deep hunger in me for spiritual understanding and truth.
5. Lord, forgive me for every time I have treated holy things casually.
6. Father, help me honour sacred responsibilities with humility and faithfulness.
7. Lord, raise up leaders who will teach and uphold Your standards.
8. I receive the grace to correct every error in my spiritual service.
9. Lord, let the fear of God return to the hearts of believers everywhere.
10. Father, help me to be an example of reverent worship and holy living in my generation.