Who Has Your Heart?

REFERENCE: I John 5:21 Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.

Observation: Wow--what a command!! The way this verse is translated makes it so clear what idols are all about--and their danger. Avoiding idols is really about keeping your heart reserved only for God. This verse covers so many things; relationships, stuff, entertainment, pleasure etc. It is not just lustful, sinful stuff we need to avoid, it is those things that will still our core affection away from God. When you think about it, it is really exactly these things that destroy people's relationship with God. They don't reject God, they just replace Him--often without even knowing it.

Application/Confession: I need to make sure that the things I enjoy, computers, technology, reading don't get in the way of the first most important thing: God in my life. I have to keep asking myself: "what do I really love the most?" and make sure that God is the answer.

PRAYER: Lord, warn me, remind me when other things begin to creep into my heart. I want it to be reserved only for you Lord.