Idolatry is the root of all sin. We are constantly on the watch for something — anything — that we think will give us life, peace, joy, contentment. In some way or another, all of life is a hunt for these things.
Our pursuit of them is the reason that we worship idols. Whatever idols we pursue, we pursue them only because we hope that they can bring us one of these — life, peace, joy, and contentment.
Our idol might be money. It might be possessions. It might be a relationship. Or it might be chemicals. Or sex, or power, or respect, or education. Some idols are idols not because they are bad things in themselves, but because we see them as ultimate things.
We pursue them for what we hope they will deliver to us. We chase the thing we hope will give us the THING.
It doesn’t work. Not in the long haul, anyway.
And there’s a much, much better way. Pursue Jesus. Listen to him speak. Adopt his angle on life. Follow his commands.
The way to do this is to absorb his words into your heart, deep inside of you. And post his words as reminders all around you. Post them even on your hands or on your forehead, if need be.
Jesus is the one and only true Source of life, peace, joy and contentment. He is the Ultimate.
“Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them. Then the Lord’s anger will burn against you, and he will shut up the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce, and you will soon perish from the good land the Lord is giving you. Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads” (Deuteronomy 11:16-18, NIV).
Lord, help me to seek you, pursue you, find you. My heart naturally does the opposite. I am a sinner and and idolater. I look in every place but you for what only you can give. Please forgive me. Turn my stubborn and rebellious heart to you. Fix your words on my heart and mind. Give me a clean heart. Grant me a heart that trusts you above all else.
Our Bible reading for Thursday, April 9, is Deuteronomy 11:1 – 12:32, Luke 12:35-59 and Psalm 43:1-5.
Header image based on "Source of the Mississippi" by Randen Pederson, CC By 2.0
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Our Bible reading for Thursday, April 9, is Deuteronomy 11:1 – 12:32, Luke 12:35-59 and Psalm 43:1-5.
Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them.
Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (Deuteronomy 11:16, 19 NIV)
You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Luke 12:40 NIV)
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 43:5 NIV)
Heavenly Father, you are God of all creation, my savior, my everything. So many wonderful things you have created, more than one man can count. Everything you do is good and with a plan. Father this is where I fail you. All things you do are good and I choose to put them before you. I am a man and all to often I covet other things beside you. Help me Father to appreciate your creation, while keeping you first in my heart. Help me to teach those I love most to act with humble hearts and in moderation. Loving you first, praising you, and pleasing you. No one but you knows when you will come again to the earth. Father help us stay strong in faith as we await you. Thank you so much for you forgiveness when we fail, when we sin. I put my hope in you Lord, you and you alone.
~Paul Montenieri
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