Rejecting Idols

Read 1 John 5:13-21.

To conclude his epistle, John commands us to stay away from idols. At first glance it may seem like an out-of-place message following his words on prayer and as a closing to his letter. But it’s actually a crucial and relevant exhortation.

An idol is anyone or anything that occupies the top place in your heart—it’s your greatest love. Only you know who or what occupies that place, and anything other than the Living God is an idol. God is a jealous God. He is the only one worthy of that central place in your life, so He calls you to give it to Him permanently—to surrender all your idols to Christ. Loving God first is the only way to experience life at its best.

As God’s children, we have the opportunity to enjoy a relationship with Him—a relationship more fulfilling and inspiring than we could ever hope for or imagine. So let’s make God and His will for our life our utmost priority. When we do, everything else will fall into place. For in Christ we have the victory, and a day is coming when all will be made new (see Matthew 6:33 and Revelation 21:5).

Let’s remember how we have been ushered into the Kingdom of God here and now—how we have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and covered by His limitless love. Let’s live out our faith victoriously, trusting in Jesus alone for salvation and rejecting all teaching that would lead us away from the one true Gospel. This is life at its best—a life lived in the light of glory.

Prayer: Lord, help me to recognize the idols in my heart and give over every one of them to You now and forever. There is truly no one and nothing more worthy of my love and affection than You, my Creator and Savior. Thank You for the sure hope of the Gospel. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.