What Is Your Idol? - Daily Thoughts about God

“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” 1 Corinthians 10:14

It is a word we hear often … in athletics, entertainment and there is even a television show dedicated to it. I refer to the word “idol.” The dictionary defines it as an image used as an object of worship, a false god, or one that is adored, often blindly or excessively.

Any object that becomes a focus of our lives can become our idol. Some things we may think are spiritually neutral really are not. Even things morally neutral, like our career, a sport or any passion other than for God can be our idol. Anything can become demonic when it gains first place in our life.

What is gaining first place in your life? If it is anything other than Jesus then you need to run from it, for it can lead you into dangerous territory. We are a fool to play with temptation, as none of us are strong enough to overcome sin on our own.

God wants to be first place in my life and that requires me to not let anything, even though good in its own right, to get between God and me. How serious are we to make God first? Are we willing to lay down our lives and good fortunes to lead our enemies to Christ? Do I do what is best for me rather than what is best for others?

How do I demonstrate that God is first in my life? I do it by being where I can best serve to the glory of God and I am closest to Jesus when I am selflessly serving others. Worshiping God is vertical. Serving others is horizontal.

Paul had some good advice to the Philippians when he said: “Your life in Christ makes you strong, and his love comforts you. You have fellowship with the Spirit, and you have kindness and compassion for one another. I urge you, then, to make me completely happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and being one in soul and mind. Don’t do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves, and look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own.” Philippians 2:1-4, (GNT)

Be careful of what you focus on, because your focus becomes your idol. Focus on having the mind of Christ and do as he would do and see what joy comes into your life. Idols are often soon forgotten, but life with Christ is forever.

Question: What do you think are the most common idols in today’s society? How can a person seek to avoid these idols?

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/06/25/jg_your-idol/
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney

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