Passing by the Idols

So I love the times when multiple quiet times from different days and passages all have the same theme. Usually, that means the Lord is really convicting me or trying to drive a point home to my heart. Lately, its been about idols.

We talk alot about idols in the modern day church, but reading through the chronological bible study I've seen how God dealt with idols among the Israelites and trust me, it was not pretty. People lost their lives over this stuff. It all began with this simple phrase that rang throughout the book of Deuteronomy....

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength" (paraphrasing)

Simple enough verse. I've heard it over and over and over again, but lately I have been asking myself... do I really love God that much? Sadly, the answer has been (and probably continues to be) no. There is always a reasoning for everything and this is no different. There has to be a reason why I don't love God as much I desire and He deserves and there is........ Idols.

Throughout the past couple of days in the books of Joshua and Judges I've learned some things about Idols.

1. God gives me a choice: Him or Idols? I can not be devoted to both. I serve one and hate the other. Joshua 24:15
2.I don't destroy or get rid of the idols, I just pass by them. If I don't get rid of them, they constantly battle for my affection and time. Judges 3:26
3. When I destroy idols, I must replace them with things of the Lord. If i dont, I will just end up re-building those idols I have already done away with. Judges 6:25-26
4. I must study and know scripture so I can know what pleases the Lord and what doesnt- not just take someone else's word for it. Judges 17:1-4
5. Idols end up creeping back into my life because I fail to thank God for what He has graciously done in my life through salvation and other blessings. Judges 8:33-34

This is a lot for me to take in and I have no idea what this means for my life, but I am praying that I will be obident to whatever it is the Lord is calling me to do.


BTW, my Lifegroup members might be thinking about how I said sometimes Landon is an idol for me, but don't worry I'm not replacing him or destroying him! Don't worry, babe! I just have to get my priorities straight, which I'm finding is a constant struggle for me being married!