Friday, August 27, 2010

Little Idols, Big Distractions, Kelli Zaniel

We are tempted by little gods everyday. They are attractive; alluring; captivating; and present. They are around every corner. They are a dime a dozen. They provide temporary satisfaction in a “get it quick” world.

Little gods are big distractions. They can be in the form of relationships, food, money and other material possessions. They are any person, place or thing that lures us away from an Almighty God. Sometimes, we even put our trust in them instead of our Heavenly Father.

When we serve God, we deny ourselves. When we serve idols (or “things”) we affirm ourselves.

“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,” (Rom. 1:25 NLT). In the Garden of Eden Satan spits out falsehoods about God. The King of Deception succeeds in persuading Eve she can serve the creation instead of the Creator. Her little god in that moment was food. Satan lures us in the same way. “This little god (whatever that is for you) will satisfy all your needs. You don’t need God. You are better off on your own,” the adversary taunts. How many times have we fallen for that one? What are little gods in your life right now?

Our God is a jealous God. He wants our complete attention. He wants our best, not our leftovers. He doesn’t want anything to distract us from relationship with Him. What could be distracting you from His presence today?

“Do not put your trust in idols or make metal images of gods for yourselves. I am the LORD your God,” (Lev. 19:4 NLT).

“You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind, or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods,” (Deut. 5:8-11 NLT.

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