On the 10 May my pastor (Dan) was preached on “growing in worship”. As he unpacked the discussion I realise that he was preaching about worshiping Idols. He mentioned people in different religions who worship idols. Then I was calm because I didn't worship any idols – I worship God. As he spoke I realised that worshiping idols was not limited to those religions. We as Christians can also find ourselves worshiping other things besides God. Christians like me could desire, long and love other things more than God. He pointed out that our God is a jealous God. He promises to punish generation after generation for worshiping other gods. Exodus 20:5 says “You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.”
Then Dan unpacked what these idols could be - money, work, family, friends, sports, celebrities, lust, sexual immorality, adultery and bitterness. He said it was anything that gives us more “happiness” than bringing glory to God. It’s anything that causes us to disobey God because we are choosing that desire over God. Jesus says in John 14:15 "If you love me, keep my commands”.
He said something that has given my life a purpose; I am on a mission. Jesus stated to the disciples, “As the Father has sent me, so send I you.” This is the same mission I am on - bringing the Good news of Jesus Christ to those around me. My life has to testify of God’s anointing. I have to live my life in a way that bears fruits of the Holy Spirit as seen in Galations 5:22. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.
Dan asked that we stop looking at this mission for Christ as separate from the rest of our lives but as am integral part of our lives. The glue that holds our lives together and gives us fulfillment (see diagram below). Therefore, when I am at work, I need to be the salt in my workplace so people see I am different. Then I can then tell them about my God. The living God that I praise! It is quite a challenge but we have a helper in the Holy Spirit.
Now, I have a new passion - to bring glory to God. I love this verse because it shows that God cares even about the little things even eating and drinking – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
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