A Pertinent Warning

Scripture – 1 John 5:18-21: ¹⁸We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him. ¹⁹We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. ²⁰We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. ²¹Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Indeed, we are children of God. We live under His protection. In Him, we have understanding. In Him we have truth that provides a firm foundation for life – now and forever. Then we have this simple warning to keep ourselves from idols. In John’s day, idols were very clear and overt. In our day, the idols of our culture have disguised themselves. They’re much harder to identify. They slip into my life more easily than I care to admit. So this is a pertinent warning for today.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will keep my eyes open for idols today. I’ll watch out for those things that call for my worship – things that would put themselves ahead of Christ.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please give me good, clear vision today. Help me recognize the idols around me. Keep the center of my heart and being on you. For you are the one worthy of my worship. To you alone I give my ultimate praise.