Though John may not mention the subject of idols by name he abruptly ends with these words, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols". Throughout the letter he's been talking about the many ways our hearts and minds can wander from being firmly embedded in the wisdom and love of our Heavenly Father:

Get knowledge - but don't depend on your knowledge.

Seek to be wise - but don't rely on your wisdom.

Work hard - but don't trust in your hard work.

Work smart - but don't stake everything on your own cleverness and efficiency.

Be ethical - but don't lean on your morality.

Make plans - but don't hope in your plans.

Save money - but don't trust your savings.

Add up your numbers - but don't count on them.

Value people - but don't depend on people.

To help you identify the idols of your heart I offer this self-assessment:

What do you most highly value?

What do you think about by default?

What is your highest goal?

To what or whom are you most committed?

Who or what do you love the most?

Who or what do you trust or depend upon the most?

Who or what do you fear the most?

Who or what do you hope in and hope for most?

Who or what do you desire the most? Or, what desire makes you most angry or makes you despair when it is not satisfied?

Who or what do you most delight in or hold as your greatest joy and treasure?

Who or what captures your greatest zeal?

To whom or for what are you most thankful?

For whom or what great purpose do you work?

Share

Tweet