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FIRST STEP...ADMIT YOU'RE AN IDOL WORSHIPER

Walk with Jesus

As I was reading in Hosea today, something hit me. I worship idols. I would have never labeled myself something that extreme but I am convinced now, via God's word, that I am...and you probably are too (unless you are an elder of the church or something, then you have no issues spiritually) :)

"...And you were not to know any god except Me, for there is no savior besides Me."Hosea 13:4b

God was clear from the beginning that He longs for an exclusive relationship with us...'no other gods before Him'. My sinful problem is I keep labeling it a "priority issue" or keep telling myself "I just have to get my priorities straight"...doesn't that sound nicer? To further appease my conscience I can sometimes even think up bible verses to excuse my idol worship. For example, "the precious possession of a man is diligence"...so that means work like crazy and if your family misses you its because God is providing for them through your long hours at work. DUMB. (referring to only myself of course)

Be real with yourself and ask these questions of yourself, "What in my life, if taken away from me, would I be unhappy/miserable without?" OR "What is it, if I could only have it, would really make life "complete" or fulfilling?" Whatever your answers to those questions, aside from 'Jesus', there it is...you figured out your idol.

When I read about the Israelites worshiping statues or golden images right after God doing some jaw-dropping/breath-taking miracles, I often catch myself thinking "those people were extra special stupid". How can you watch God lead you through the desert by a pillar of fire and then turn around and worship a golden calf like God didn't even exist??!! WE DO THE SAME THING. God leads us personally and daily through His word, we even meet up corporately twice a week or so to talk about it and then we immediately turn back to our addictions, relationships, hobbies, houses, bank accounts, cars, jobs, ect., ect. to find fulfillment.

In the same passage of Hosea 13:5-6, God explains why this happens "comfort/success" made them forget God. That is our issue today.

The challenge is now, as we were encouraged in last Sunday's service, to pray that God does whatever it takes for Him to be our everything (which means idol removal from our lives). Scary prayer. I am so messed up that I have to pray that God makes that prayer a true one for me because most days I have no desire to pray it. I have to pray the below verse constantly.

"I do believe, help my unbelief" - Mark 9:24

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