Monday, May 09, 2005

Habits of Hollow Holiness

Judges 10:6 "Again the Israelites did evil in the LORD's sight. They worshiped images of Baal and Ashtoreth, and the gods of Aram, Sidon, Moab, Ammon, and Philistia. Not only this, but they abandoned the LORD and no longer served him at all."

The Israelites are just like us. The slide is gradual. It's not like in January they serve the Lord and in March they switch to idols. Instead it is a gradual wandering. Notice the above verse- they worship and then they abandon and no longer serve at all. This indicates that for a while they try to serve both. For a while, God is there with the idols. But the idols always crowd out the Lord.

Eventually, the people of God do evil right in God's presense.

Our idols? Images (entertainment, fashion)- The gods of materialism, substance abuse, leisure, social status, political agendas, covetousness.

We serve these gods because we think they bring fortune, fame, power, and pleasure. We think they are secure and worthy of our tireless service.

Lord, help me keep good things from becoming idols. May you reign above all- including my family and football. Through Your Spirit, help me serve YOU!

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