"You shall have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3 (NIV)
I decluttered my jam-packed closet, examining every single article of clothing. I needed to get rid of stuff, to put it out of my house...I needed it to be GONE! Weeding the closet will be a continual process, not a one-time experience, and a struggle to maintain.
As I cleaned my closet, I realized I need to Lord to examine my heart. I desire an uncluttered heart so that it can be filled with the Living God who is worthy of first place.
Richard Keyes, author of "The Idol Factory", defines an idol as, "...something within creation that is inflated to function as God... An idol can be a physical object, a proprty, a person, an activity, a role, an institution, a hope, an image, an idea, a pleasure, a hero - anything that can substitute for God." An idol is a false god.
Davide Powlison, author of "Basic Biblical Concepts of Human Motivation" poses these questions as we consider who or what rules us. Who or what do you love, hate, crave, desire, pursue, or fear? Where do you find refuge, comfort, or security? Who must you please? Who or what do you trust?
Pain, abuse, rejection, and loneliness, can cause us to turn to idols seeking relief, satisfaction, fulfillment, security, love, affection, or pleasure. However, idols enslave, deceive, and lead to shame; they are lifeless and worthless ( Jer. 10:8, 14; Hab. 2:19; Rom. 6:16 ). Only the LORD is all-Sufficient God who gives life and freedom!
For God to be in His rightful position, we must rid our hearts of false gods - those things we love and seek in place of God. We begin by asking the Lord to examine our hearts ( Psalm 139: 23-24 ). turn away from idols and turn to Him. Line up with God's truth, trusting in His promises and His power, and not our own strength.
More importantly than preparing closets to receive new things, let's choose to eliminate idols, and allow God to abide, have His proper place in our lives, and receive the new things He has for us ( Isaiah 43: 18-19 ). Pray for one another and our descendants to submit to God's authority, and worship and serve Him only.
Pain, abuse, rejection, and loneliness, can cause us to turn to idols seeking relief, satisfaction, fulfillment, security, love, affection, or pleasure. However, idols enslave, deceive, and lead to shame; they are lifeless and worthless ( Jer. 10:8, 14; Hab. 2:19; Rom. 6:16 ). Only the LORD is all-Sufficient God who gives life and freedom!
For God to be in His rightful position, we must rid our hearts of false gods - those things we love and seek in place of God. We begin by asking the Lord to examine our hearts ( Psalm 139: 23-24 ). turn away from idols and turn to Him. Line up with God's truth, trusting in His promises and His power, and not our own strength.
More importantly than preparing closets to receive new things, let's choose to eliminate idols, and allow God to abide, have His proper place in our lives, and receive the new things He has for us ( Isaiah 43: 18-19 ). Pray for one another and our descendants to submit to God's authority, and worship and serve Him only.
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