Living for God in a Godless Society Part 3Sample

IDENTIFY YOUR IDOLS

King Nebuchadnezzar made a huge golden image and invited many officials to the dedication. There it was proclaimed to all the people that as soon as the music started, they were to fall down and worship the image or be immediately thrown into the fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew they couldn't bow down and worship this image. This would be against God's law- “You shall have no other gods before me.”

Whatever we put before God in our life is an idol. It’s rarely a giant idol in our culture, but it is often comfort, money, security, jobs, people, and even our phones. God doesn't want us to give our hearts and souls to anything ahead of Him, not because He is selfish, but because He knows that He is the source of everything good that we need. He promises abundant life. What does your phone promise?

When asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus responded, “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.” What does love like this look like? For one thing, it looks like standing when all others bow to idols. And it looks like bowing to God when all others turn away.

Ask Yourself:

-What/whom does my heart love most? My soul? My mind?

-What is the evidence of my love?

-Why do I lean toward this thing/person instead of God?

Pause to pray: Lord, I am certain that there are things and people in my life that I have lifted above you in my affection, time, and attention. Reveal those to me and teach me to delight more and more in You. I want you to have my whole heart, soul, and mind. Amen.

Take a Next Step: Take a practical step to lift the Lord above one of the other loves in your life this week. For example, if one of your loves is your phone, try talking to Him first thing every morning before checking your phone. Or commit to reading your Bible before you read your emails.