Removing Idols
Commonly, when we think of idolatry, we think of golden calves and worshipping other gods... but according to the bible, idols can be anything that comes between your relationship with God. Do you find yourself zoning out to television and entertainment when you could be enjoying some prayer time? Do you want to spend more time enjoying that new physical relationship instead of entertaining the spiritual one? Do you give all of your gifts and talents to the world instead of to the kingdom? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it might be time to rid your life of idols.
Bible Scripture: Colossians 3:5 NIV - Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.
Faith Application: Commit to praying every day this week and fasting one day a week. Pray when you want. Remember, you may not pray an hour a day but don't let an hour go by without communicating with God. On your fast day, fast whatever you feel, but let it be a sacrifice; let it be from the heart. Fast something that has become an idol in your life and takes up your time and your energy in place of moments with God. This week, complete the family activity and consider fasting something that you place more value on than your relationship with God.
Prayer Focus: This week, pray that God allows you to identify and destroy idols that come between you and a stronger relationship with God. Pray that our church destroys idols that keep us from reaching and growing God's kingdom. Pray to overcome the flesh and the temptation to stray from God's presence and most of all pray for God's forgiveness, grace, and mercy as you try to move forward, more focused, and more aligned with the spirit than ever before!
Family Activity: Read the story of the golden calf together has a family here - or watch this version if you have small children. Use these questions and ideas to guide a family discussion allowing each member to truly understand how God feels when we make other things more important than Him. Older children and adults should complete this quiz to identify and pray over specific idols in your life. Younger children may find it more helpful to watch this video. Finally, if you have extra time, parents might find this sermon helpful when considering how idolatry can infiltrate the family. There are worksheets and sermon notes in the link.
***Last Wednesday we started the series "The Divine Order of the Family and Why it Matters - Part 1" where we covered marriage and fatherhood. You may watch Part 1 here if you want to catch up. Part 2 will be delivered this Wednesday at 7:00 pm.***