Thoughts & Desires

1 John 5:21 ‘Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.’

It can be difficult to identify when we are engaging in idolatry. Whenever we are consumed with thoughts of something else, or someone else, we have participated in idolatry. It is not necessarily the act of bowing down to some kind of object. That is just the behavior that follows the thought. We can bow down mentally to anything and most people would never know we are worshipping something other than God. More often than not, we don’t realize when we are worshipping something other than God. This sin is subtle and can be anything on which we spend our time, energy, or thoughts.

The notes in my Bible say, ‘that idolatry is making anything more important than God' (Life Application Bible, NIV p. 206-207). Therefore, simple everyday possessions and pleasures can become idols. The T.V., the computer, video games, food, hobbies, vehicles, work, money, clothes, ourselves, the Easter Bunny; really anything. The list is endless. Vine’s Concise Dictionary of the Bible states that idolatry is traced to a lack of acknowledgement and gratitude to God. It further states that an idolater is a slave to the depraved ideas his idols represent, and thus, to numerous lusts. (p. 189). Eventually, whatever we concentrate or dwell on will influence our behavior and speech (Luke 6:45 ).

As I was writing this I looked up for a brief second at the T.V. and a real estate program was on. The woman on the show had both arms outstretched hugging an island in the kitchen of a house. She had to 'bow down' to hug the island. Hmmm, God's timing is interesting.

'For You, O Lord, are the Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.'

Prayer: Father, help me to identify the things and thoughts that I have allowed to become my idols.

Plan of Action(James 1:22 & 25): Take a moment to consider the many blessings God has given you, then express sincere gratitude to Him.

Read More: 1 Samuel 7:3