I hit send and the text message containing the verse for the day went through. I’ve been trying to cultivate the habit of sending a daily Scripture to my boys each morning—just another way to get truth into their hearts. Fifteen or so seconds passed and I hear the ping of my phone indicating a text. It was JD. “WOW! What a verse, mom! Love you too!” (Sarcastic tone implied.)
I had sent Romans 1:21-25. A group of verses power-packed with truth and no-holds-bar honesty.
For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator.
I know, I know. Strong words, but truthful words none-the-less. As humans, we are so prone to worshiping the creation and ignoring our Creator. I quickly texted JD back and told him that though the words were harsh, there was much truth about our tendency to wander. Let’s be real, friends! We do have a tendency to wander from our allegiance to the King of kings—at least I do.
This focus on the Lord brings to mind Psalm 27 and our focus for worship.
One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.Psalm 27:4
Can I ask you a question? How is your worship lately? Do you have an intense desire to praise God? Do you desire to bring Him glory with your life? Do you desire to worship Him through obedience to His commands?
Scripture tells us that God is seeking those who will worship Him in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24). 2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”
God desires, no I believe He requires our worship, allegiance, and devotion. Anything less is idolatry. We may not worship wooden statues or Golden gods, but we do, by our actions and attitudes, show that which truly holds our hearts captive.
So let’s talk about idols? Are you more concerned about cleaning your house than sitting and reading the Word? Are you more devoted to watching that favorite TV show, surfing the internet, indulging in food, having a joyful afternoon of shopping, or some other hobby, than you are with praying? What about social media or your cell phone? Do you show up on Facebook before having facetime with Jesus?
Yes, we can call all of these things “idols” when necessary because anything we place before God is, in fact, an idol. And I’ll admit, I have placed these worldly pleasures and conveniences above God more often than I’d care to admit.
So I ask you, what shouts so loud for your attention that it drowns out the whisper of God’s voice calling to you?
Whatever your answer could be an idol for you and for me.
An idol can be another person, a thing, an overly indulged pleasure, a comfort or even a security that we put our trust in about the Lord. ANYTHING we place more value on than God is an idol. It’s what your heart most desires. It’s what you “go after.”
Take this Idol Test. Ask yourself this question:
What is the first thing I think of when I wake up in the morning,
and the last thing I think about before I go to sleep at night?
Did you gain any insight as a result of your answers to that question?
Seeking after or worshiping anything other than God deadens our heart, drains our time, depletes our energy, and destroys our fellowship with the Father. These false gods leave us desiring more and more, yet leave us emptier and emptier. Why? Because nothing other than God truly satisfies us, rejuvenates us, and frees us like worshiping our One Thing—Jehovah!
Please don’t hear me wrong. A clean and orderly home is a good thing. A hobby is much deserved. Our children, husbands, and friends are wonderful! A job is important. The comforts and securities we have are a blessing. But those things should never be placed above or before Jehovah.
Invite the Lord into your moments, hobbies, home, and habits. Take Him with you and make each moment sacred.
So to guard against idol worship, you must ask yourself daily, “Who is my God?” “Where does my heart turn when I am weary, stressed, and anxious? Where does my heart turn when I am happy and joy-filled? Where does my heart turn most often during the day? Does my heart turn to Jehovah or to someone or something else?
Whose voice captures my heart? To whose call does my soul love to respond?
Nothing and no one should captivate us more than the Lord, Jehovah.
Is He the One whom your soul loves? (Song of Solomon 3:4)
- What or who are you striving after or worshiping today?
- How is your obedience level? Are you seeking to please God by following His will for your life?
- What adjustments do you need to make in your life to make certain you are seeking after God? Will you make them?
Remember: Seeking after your One Thing—Jehovah—increases your devotion and love for Him and brings you true and lasting satisfaction.
