An Honest Look

As I was concluding my daily reading of scripture, it finally jumped out at me. You know, the words that boldly leap from the page screaming for attention!

I recognize the importance of sceaming words. They make you stop. They make you take notice. They make you respond.

After reading much careful instruction in the book of 1 John, the very last verse says this: "Dear children, keep yourselves from idols."

Yes, he is speaking this to believers. To those who already confess Christ as their Lord.

Idols. Things that take on the image of God. Things that we may worship and may adore. They sneak in everywhere and take on many different forms. Idols take time to carve. It's not like one day they just appear.

It's time we take a closer look at our lives. God is a jealous God. Are there things that are trying to sneak into our lives that we find give us a false sense of comfort (like food, money etc.)? Are there things that have come in that keep us out of church and fellowship ( like sports, parties etc.)? Has you favorite TV show captured your committment more so than your prayer closet? Do you perfer sleep over attending church?

Taking an honest look at our lives is not always easy. Learning to recognize where idols are being built as well as hidden is imparitive for staying committed to Christ. Idols draw us away, not closer. Being drawn away is one of the greatest symptoms that reveals an idol at work in our lives.

Idols come in many forms. Food, friends, spouses, TV, laziness, sleepiness, money, shopping, jewelry, shoes etc. Idols steal our affections. Idols reveal who we truely worship.

Idols should never be laid down. They are to be smashed. Destroyed.

Are there any idols in your life. Take an honest look. God is a jealous God.