Dear Ones,
May you have a peace-filled day. I plan to bake Al’s favorite cookies and later we have Bible Study.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Most of us would not like to admit that we have idols in our lives; but the fact that there are no statues in our house doesn’t mean we are free from idols. Francis Schaeffer wrote some years ago that personal peace and affluence are the defining idols of our time. We are people who like comfort, to be left alone and to have prosperity with material goods in abundance. I remember watching Schaeffer’s movies while at our church in Des Moines wondering if people would really come to the place of ignoring the needs of others and just be concerned about themselves and gaining wealth? But if we look around us and maybe within us, we must acknowledge we want a comfortable, affluent life of ease.
Even our children are taken in by the word to “follow your dreams and live your truth.” Athletic and personal success become more important than spiritual formation and growth. They desire status and trophies and think God’s favor lines up with whatever they achieve. But that kind of living leaves us with anxiety, addictions, laziness and emptiness. How contradictory it is from God’s way that speaks of self-denial, helping others and surrendering to God.
Our faith involves obedience, sacrifice and serving others. If parents don’t teach this to their children they will not be able to embrace suffering when it comes. They are more likely turn to quick fixes like vaping, alcohol and excess time on their phones, etc. It’s best when parents model a life of faith and sacrifice, help others and surrender to the Lord. All of us need to embrace God’s way of truth, expressing His love as we help others and reject the idols of our day.
Challenge for today: Do as John says in I John 5:21, “Dear children, guard yourselves from false gods.”
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy