In the book of Ezra, chapters 9 and 10, we read of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God.  This took place during the second return to Jerusalem around 457BC.  Ezra had returned with some of the Israelite people from exile in Babylon during the reign of King Artaxerxe. Upon arriving, they began sacrificing burnt offerings to the Lord.

“After these things had been done, the leaders came to me and said, ‘The people of Israel, including the priests and the Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the neighboring peoples with their detestable practices…’” ~Ezra 9:1

The people of Israel who had been living in Israel since the first return to Jerusalem almost 60 years before had intermarried with the pagan nations around them.  This was a big no-no in God’s eyes.  Yet even the priests and the Levites had done this! Even the religious leaders!

“We have been unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women from the peoples around us. But in spite of this, there is still hope for Israel. Now let us make a covenant before our God to send away all these women and their children, in accordance with the counsel of my lord and of those who fear the commands of our God. Let it be done according to the Law.” ~Ezra 10:2b, 3

The people recognized their sin, and confessed their sin. And they wanted to do something to change their ways!

Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have been unfaithful; you have married foreign women, adding to Israel’s guilt. Now honor the Lord, the God of your ancestors, and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples around you and from your foreign wives.” ~Ezra 10:10-11
“You are right! We must do as you say. But there are many people here and it is the rainy season; so we cannot stand outside. Besides, this matter cannot be taken care of in a day or two, because we have sinned greatly in this thing. Let our officials act for the whole assembly. Then let everyone in our towns who has married a foreign woman come at a set time, along with the elders and judges of each town, until the fierce anger of our God in this matter is turned away from us.” ~Ezra 10:12b-14

In the space of but a few months, the people had followed through completely with their commitment to God, to get rid of their foreign wives and children.

In the Old Testament, God refers to Israel’s practices of chasing after pagan gods and religions as “adultery”.  They committed spiritual adultery against God by marrying pagan, or “foreign”, wives, and worshipping the pagan gods they brought with them.
Today, in the 21st century, we as Christians can be susceptible to committing adultery against God. Are there habits in your life that aren’t pleasing to the Lord?  Perhaps a relationship or friendship that is pulling you away from God?  It could be anything as simple as the music you listen to or the places you go with friends on the weekend...or as serious as a hidden sin that you haven't taken care of.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." ~1 John 1:9

Some sins are easy to get rid of, and can be done right away if we are willing to let go.  However, some are not.  Things like getting rid of bad habits, breaking relationships, and being set free from the bondage of sin's chains can be very difficult.  It doesn’t happen overnight.  As the people said “this matter cannot be taken care of in a day or two”.  But I can promise you that it’s worth it to remove all traces of sin so that the glory of God can shine brightly and continue transforming you into his image!

I encourage each of you to stop and examine your hearts.  Are you pleasing the Lord with your lives?

First thing I'd do is "listen to what they think about religion, but don't force anything on them unless they ask you about your beliefs."  Later on, after I knew them and what they believed a little better, I would probably use a combination of "Start with small talk they can relate to and understand." and "Share your beliefs and explain why they make sense."

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Great verse, one of my favorites!