Steps of Faith Journal

 

Committing Idolatry
September 10, 2008

Is it possible that we are committing idolatry?  Listen to what God says: "Consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry" (Colossians 3:5).

When we think of idolatry, we usually think of people worshiping images fashioned by their own hands.  Do we consider greed to be idolatry? Probably not, unless we recognize an idol as anything that takes God's rightful place in our allegiance, devotion, time, or energies.

If a Christian doesn't have time for Bible study but has time for television, would you call that idolatry? What if a child of God finds time to exercise but is too busy to pray; is that idolatry? Or if a Christian chooses to work longer hours or take on a second job to have more money for more things but doesn't have time for the Lord, would you call that idolatry?

You may say, "But I need to earn extra money just in case something happens."  Or you may argue, "All my life I have wanted such and such, and I'm going after it."  This is what God says about our pursuit of treasures: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven...for where you treasures is, there you heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21).

Accountability to God
September 4, 2008

Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:19

Some people are experts at telling others what do do, but they missed the central point of God's laws themselves.  Jesus made it clear, however, that obeying God's laws is more important than explaining them.  It's much easier to study God's laws and tell others to obey them than to put them into practice.

The Bible speaks of a day of accounting - for the lost and for Christians.  Second Corinthians 5:10 and Romans 14:10 remind us of the day of accounting for Christians. The Bible also tells us that we can lay up treasures in heaven and that there will be rewards.

As I have studied, I have come to realize that my first thoughts are not true. When I first heard about the judgment seat of Christ, I thought it would be the same for every child of God. I now realize I was wrong.  There are those who will be "least" and those who will be "great" in the kingdom of heaven!

Have you ever thought about your accountability to God as a Christian? Have you considered that you could miss certain rewards because you did not walk in obedience?

Dear Heavenly Father, help me follow Your precepts carefully, so that one day I can stand before You unashamed and receive the crown of life, which You have promised to those who love You.  Amen


Training Your Thoughts
 September 2, 2008
We made it to church Sunday and I was so glad we did as it was a great sermon, but sorry that they were in part 6 of a study called "The Jesus Prescription for a Healthy Life". Our preacher read scriptures Matthew 23:25-28, which basically says that Jesus condemned the Pharisees and religious leaders for ll of corruption and greed. Living our Christianity merely as a show for others is like washing only the outside of the cup. When we are clean on the inside, our cleanliness on the outside won't be a sham. So with that we need to learn to "train our thoughts". The sermon touched on what I had just read in "Loving God With All Your Mind" by Elizabeth George. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things. I love this verse. It is telling us that what we put into our mind determines what comes out in our words and actions. I don't know about you but I for one need to examine carefully what I am putting into my mind and replace the harmful input with wholesome material. How do I do this you may ask? Examine what you are putting into your mind through television, internet, books, conversations, movies, and magazines. Most of all, read God's Word and pray. Ask Him to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure.