Saturday, 21^st October 2023

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: ABSTAIN FROM IDOLATRY

THEME SCRIPTURE: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” 1 John 5:21

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

How can we keep ourselves from idols?

Little children, keep yourselves from idols because God abhors the one who meddles in idolatry. The reason is that the most important of all God’s creations is man. Why should man be subject to and worship (serve) that which is lesser than (or inferior to) him? Only God is superior to man. Therefore, every scheme of thought and every object of affection that is not of God is an idol or another rival god in our lives. The classical Greek word used in our theme scripture for idol has the meaning of “shadow” or “phantom."

The idolater is the one who sets his affection on and worships (serves) shadows and phantoms. Isn’t this sad?

The believers in the Apostle John’s day lived among idolaters. Every street they walked, in every corner, and in the homes of unbelievers were objects, grooves, and seductive rites of idolatry. Even though we live in the world, we are not part of it. Hence, the reason to abstain from idolatry. In our day, there is little or not much worship of objects and idols as before. Yet idolatry is a common thing among us. Today, our affections have been directed towards so many things, and our worship (service) and honour go to things that have no eternal value. One such object (or thing) is “money or riches."

Jesus pointed it out clearly to us that no man can serve two masters (Matt 6:24). So also, believers cannot serve God and mammon (riches).

Today, the desire for riches and our affection for money at all costs are something to mention. Riches and money have become the gods of the age. Men and women are prepared to go to every extent just to have a piece of it. We see it as the ultimate; without it, you have not lived. We are willing to hurt each other, walk over each other, and even kill to get money. We wake up early in the morning (running) because it is about money. Yet what we spend our lives on in exchange for money seems to never suffice for our wants and needs.

Precious one, if you can’t do for God what you can do for money, then money is your master and lord, but not Jesus Christ.

“Love not the world, nor the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). It is a misplaced heart and a clouded eye that lead to a misaligned will that tries to serve two irreconcilably different masters. It is the call of the Spirit today to examine yourself to see if you are the servant of Christ or if Jesus is your true master. Examine yourself to see if you have as much affection and desire for God as you do for riches. Examine your heart to see whether it is misplaced or in the place where Christ wants it. Are we bending God’s commandments to make unrighteous riches? Examine yourself and keep yourself away from idols. Remain blessed.

FURTHER READING: Matthew 6:24

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. How far or near are you from idolatry?

PRAYER

Precious Father, I have re-examined myself, and I re-affirm my love for you alone. There are many things in this life calling for my love. Eternal Father, I receive grace to look up to you and to serve you alone because you are my God. Thank you, in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

2 Chronicles 14; 2 Chronicles 15; Ezekiel 47; John 15; John 16