Epicenter: Corinth (Exchanging Idols for Jesus) — Thursday
Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NIV)
The following is one of the most convicting things I’ve ever heard: “Show me where you spend your time, energy, and money, and I will show you your god.” If you took an honest inventory of your life, would it reveal that your god is Jesus? This question is not intended to shame you. In fact, Jesus essentially said the same thing in today’s verse from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus told us that whatever we choose to treasure is going to reveal what our heart is devoted to. If we treasure anything above Jesus, then we are practicing idolatry. As we’ve been talking about this week, an idol is anything that comes between us and God, anything that we value above Jesus. I’m probably beating a dead horse at this point, but it’s a reminder that I personally need every day.
In every moment, there are so many things fighting to steal our attention and devotion away from God. The temptation to turn away from Him is ever present in our lives. So how do we fight against it? We must develop a greater love and greater awareness of who God is. This is our weapon against idolatry. And how exactly do we do that? I’m glad you asked.
Get in His Word! Open your Bible and spend time reading the Scriptures, learning about God’s character and what He has done for you.
Spend some time in praise and worship, celebrating who He is and the grace He has shown.
Go to church! There’s something powerful about being in community with other believers who are celebrating Jesus and listening to a biblical message together. And take it a step further by finding a group of people you can learn and grow alongside of.
Sign up to serve! The more we serve, the more we learn about the servant nature of Jesus.
Ultimately, when He becomes our greatest desire, there is no room in our hearts for idols.
Thursday’s Reflection
Getting to know God is not to be confused with attempting to earn God’s love. We don’t have to earn His love—it’s already given to us. Everything we do to grow closer to God is in response to His love for us.
