Day 3 - The Things We Chase
Romans 1:21–25 (NLT)
"Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.
So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen."
It's amazing how quickly something good can become something we can't imagine living without.
A relationship. A career. Financial security. Other people's approval. Even our plans for the future.
None of these things is necessarily wrong.
But anything can become unhealthy when it takes the place in our hearts that belongs to God.
In Romans 1, Paul describes people who knew about God but stopped honoring Him. Their attention shifted from the Creator to created things.
It didn't happen because God stopped being worthy.
It happened because their hearts became distracted.
We may never bow before a carved statue, but that doesn't mean we're immune to idolatry.
Sometimes our idols are simply the things we fear losing most.
Other times they're the things we believe we must have before we can be happy.
God doesn't ask for first place because He's insecure. He knows that nothing else can carry the weight of being our ultimate source of identity, security, and satisfaction.
Only He can.
Heart Check
A Moment With Jesus
Jesus, search my heart. Show me anything I've allowed to become more important than You. Help me enjoy the gifts You've given without allowing them to replace the Giver. Amen.
Live It Out: Spend a little time away from one distraction that regularly consumes your attention. Use that time to pray.
"Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.
So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen."
It's amazing how quickly something good can become something we can't imagine living without.
A relationship. A career. Financial security. Other people's approval. Even our plans for the future.
None of these things is necessarily wrong.
But anything can become unhealthy when it takes the place in our hearts that belongs to God.
In Romans 1, Paul describes people who knew about God but stopped honoring Him. Their attention shifted from the Creator to created things.
It didn't happen because God stopped being worthy.
It happened because their hearts became distracted.
We may never bow before a carved statue, but that doesn't mean we're immune to idolatry.
Sometimes our idols are simply the things we fear losing most.
Other times they're the things we believe we must have before we can be happy.
God doesn't ask for first place because He's insecure. He knows that nothing else can carry the weight of being our ultimate source of identity, security, and satisfaction.
Only He can.
Heart Check
- What occupies most of my thoughts when I have a quiet moment?
- Is there something I've been depending on more than God for my happiness or security?
A Moment With Jesus
Jesus, search my heart. Show me anything I've allowed to become more important than You. Help me enjoy the gifts You've given without allowing them to replace the Giver. Amen.
Live It Out: Spend a little time away from one distraction that regularly consumes your attention. Use that time to pray.