“Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that He made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden.” Deuteronomy 4:23 (ESV)
I feel the edge of summer slipping away. It’s getting darker at night a little sooner. The early dawn seems to linger longer. The kiddos are going back to school and traffic in our town is beginning to overflow as college students return. Hobby Lobby has fall everything with more pumpkins of various sizes and colors than we would dare imagine. The signs are everywhere – summer is definitely slipping away.
We definitely can’t miss the obvious signs, can we? After all, what woman wouldn’t want to dismiss the signs of aging. Or even better, stepping on that scale and noticing the sign of too much ice cream during the summer heatwave. Even when what is staring back at us is reality, we often overlook the signs of us. Like when we are headed in a wrong direction, we somehow seem able to dismiss all the visible warnings. We ever so intentionally ignore the signs that other gods have misplaced the One true God in our lives. How could we so foolishly think that careers, service, possessions, people, or pleasures would rise above the place reserved for God alone? Hate to admit it but at times in our lives, we have probably all landed in this place of illusion, and it didn’t serve us well.
The Bible tells of many who chose this path of worshiping idols (anything we place above our devotion and worship of God). Even God’s chosen people, the Israelites often found themselves entangled with the gods of the land. The consequences of their choices often landed them in captivity and oppression by foreign powers due to violating the first commandment given by God to Moses: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” The futility of relying on someone or something other than God writes a script of repetitive consequences.
Today’s world is no different. The temptations are even greater to zero our focus in on self, others and things versus devotion to God. While we don’t bow down to statues, our lives bow down to a lot of things that steal away the devotion and obedience that God desires from His children. What we truly treasure in our hearts (Matthew 6:21) reveals our affections and pursuits.
Love the reminder from the Apostle Paul instructing believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God as our spiritual act of worship. Laying down our desires and following God’s instructions. Resisting the draw within us to allow other pursuits to triumph over our relationship and devotion to God. It’s a divine calling to a life of holiness and service to our Creator God who is sovereign over all things. The One who calls us by name. The One who proved His love by releasing His only Son into this broken world to die for our sins is worthy of our devotion and allegiance.
Just like the signs around us depict a changing season, the signs of who we worship are evident in our lifestyle and choices. We may be able to fool others, but God is not fooled. He is fully aware of who or what is consuming our lives, thoughts and devotion. Perhaps this is why our world is so broken today – we’ve lost our first love – the One who gives us the very breath in our lungs.
Sweet friends, let’s not be blindsided by the signs staring back at us in the mirror of our hearts. Let’s welcome God’s examination. Let’s confess any misplaced devotion and fall back in love with God – it’s the best decision we will ever make.
“Father, forgive us for those moments when we allow other things and people to take your place in our lives. Help us to cherish the relationship we have with You and guard against distractions.”
For His Glory
Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life









