Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts. 1 John 5:21 (NLT)
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 1 Cor. 10:14 (ESV)
My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways. Prov. 23:26 (NIV)
Heavenly Father, the battle for our hearts is tenacious and nonstop. It’s a war will continue until the Day of all things new. We’re so thankful you love us right now, not to the degree we are like Christ, but inChrist. We enjoy a perfect salvation, long before we’ll have perfected hearts. So, what does heart-idolatry look like is this season of life? What vies for your place in our hearts? As for me, heart-warfare is a bit subtler than it used to be.
Father, I don’t find myself sucker-punched by the craving and quest for more material things, more power and authority, or more acclaim and applause by the world. Rather, the battle for my heart centers more on my turning legitimate desires into un-promised needs. Whenever I make a good desire an essential need, I’m in trouble. What does this look like? Father, hear my confession, as I give you my heart, yet again.
I want something you haven’t promised in this life. I don’t worship golden cows, but I crave tension-free relationships. I want to live, right now, in a world of no relational messes or unresolved conflicts; no meanness in the press or misunderstandings between friends; no more holding old grudges or throwing new blame-grenades; no tensions in our families or terror on our streets.
No more competition between churches, just foot-washing everywhere; no more racism, tribalism, or nationalism. No more fights, spite, and flight, anywhere; no more need for forgiving or the hard work of reconciliation. I want the Day of perfect relationships, now.
Father, that Day is coming, and it’s called life in the new heaven and new earth. Until that Day, help us live and love to your glory, period. You’re promised sufficient grace. Thank you. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ big and beautiful name.
