We may not relate to the idols people worshipped long ago. But in modern life, potential idols are everywhere—and on the surface, they sometimes appear good and praiseworthy.
Take health, for example. Is regular exercise an effort to be a good steward of the body God has provided, or do we turn to it for a sense of identity or worth? And what about finances—do we save money to wisely prepare for the future and fund kingdom work, or do we cling to financial security out of fear?
Whether we see such things as good or problematic, whatever we allow to take God’s place in our heart will never ultimately give us what we truly desire. They may satisfy for a time but in the long run will fail (Gal. 4:8-9).
There is only one way to be freed from the idols we’ve constructed: We must repent and then receive God’s love and forgiveness. But it takes humility and a willingness to let His Holy Spirit fill those empty spaces that have been left behind.
Think about it
• How do you spend your time? Pay attention to your choices this week. What tasks, interests, or habits do you turn to for comfort or affirmation? Where does your faith come into the picture?
And that’s the memo.
By Charles Stanley and InTouch Ministries