Daily Devotional
Are You Worshiping Any Idols?
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Galatians 5:19-21
May 6, 2023
Ponder This
There are all kinds of false idols, each one we need to be aware of and guard against. For example, you can make an idol of yourself. When we do that, we go from theology to me-ology. We are worshiping the creature instead of the Creator. Anything or anyone that you love more, fear more, and serve more than God is an idol.
Others have made a god of money. The reason some won’t come to church is they say, “All they want down there is my money.” But the truth of the matter is, that kind of attitude can be a sign of greed. Jesus said, “You cannot serve God and [money]” (Matthew 6:24). Either God is God, or money is god. And there are many who worship money.
There are some who worship the family. You will make a terrible mistake if you put your family before your relationship with Jesus. Jesus said, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37). The best thing you can do for your family is not to put them first. Joyce doesn’t mind being second place in my heart, and she is second; God is first. I love her so much more because God is first place in my heart and in my life. Don’t make a god of your family.
- Where are you most tempted to devote yourself to someone or something else more than to God?
- What would it look like to give God first place in your heart?
Practice This
Put into practice one habit that will help you remember to keep God first place in your heart.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
