CHRISTMAS WEEKDAY

Children, be on your guard against idols. 

Think about how close the apostle John was to Jesus. He lived with Jesus and ministered with him for three years. He was front and center for all of Jesus’ teachings. He sat beside him at the Last Supper (John 13:23). He stood beneath the cross on Calvary (19:26). He outran Peter and was the first to enter the empty tomb and believe (20:4, 8). John was convinced without a doubt that Jesus was the Son of God.

Perhaps that’s why he ends his first letter with a warning about idols. Some people had left the Church, saying that Jesus wasn’t divine. John knew that this wrong thinking could lead other people astray, even to the point of worshipping idols. Still, he didn’t write much about idolatry. It’s not that he didn’t care about it. Rather, he was more concerned with pointing people toward the “true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20).

Even though we live in different times, we too need to be wary of idols. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying blessings like possessions or recreation or a career. In fact, these are gifts from God. Yet it’s a matter of priorities. When even good things become too important, they can take our eyes off the Lord.

How do we identify an idol? Think about where you look for happiness. Maybe you notice that you are trying to find it in something other than God. Or think about where you make sacrifices. If you’re giving too much of your attention, affection, money, or time to something, there’s a good chance you have crossed the line. Or where do you turn when you’re stressed? To Jesus or to something else?

If you recognize any idols in your life, consider their worth next to the boundless love of Jesus. He alone can fulfill your deepest needs. The more you are attached to him, as John was, the less you will look to other things for your ultimate fulfillment. Jesus came to bring you life—not just fleeting pleasure, but eternal life now and in heaven (John 10:10). And nothing is worth more than that.

“Lord, help me to hold fast to you above all things. You are all I need!”

Psalm 149:1-6, 9
John 3:22-30
1 John 5:14-21

WORD AMONG US