Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.1 John 5:21
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.1 Cor. 10:14
Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. Jonah 2:8
Heavenly Father, these Scriptures about idolatry raise the core question: What do we really treasure and trust in life? You, or a myriad of options?
In Rome, I’ve seen statues of various gods that filled the temples and lifestyle of that ancient city. In London, I’ve visited the biggest Hindu temple in the city and wandered from station to station as worshipers offered prayers to a variety of deities. In Israel, I photographed decaying remains of Canaanite idols, that promised more than you could give.
Yet for me to obey the commands to “keep myself from idols” and to “flee idolatry,” requires more than simply staying away from ancient sites, pagan temples, and man-made idols. That would be easy. Most of my idol-status stuff is invisible—idols of the heart. And most of it is relational, not “bankable.”
Sometimes the approval and appreciation, or criticism and disdain, of people has more sway over my heart than what you think about me. And that’s a real trap. In your Word, it’s called the “fear of man,” or as my spiritual dad used to name it, living as an “approval suck.” Not good.
And sometimes my desire to control people’s choices, and control my experience of heart-pain, claim more of my time and energy than seeking your face, savoring your grace, and serving your Son. Again, not good.
Have mercy on me, Father, and free me from giving anything or anybody the affection and adoration you alone deserve. Continue to make Jesus so beautiful, and the love of Christ so compelling, that my heart idols will topple under the sheer weight of grace.
The fact that I’m one of your “dear children”—forgiven and secure, righteous and beloved—should be all the motivation I need to keep myself from any form of idolatry. Far from “forfeiting grace” (Jonah 2:8), I want to feast on grace—in fullness and overflowing. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ most worthy and loving name.
