"Little children, keep yourselves from idols" (1 John 5:21).

The apostle John ends his first epistle with these words. His final admonition warns his brethren about the lure and danger of idols. And while you may automatically conclude that idolatry is a non-issue for you and your family, please allow me to give you a few things to consider. Anything or anyone that we allow to come before God and His will in our lives has become our idol. Now that idol may be our job, it may be our family, our girlfriend or boyfriend, it may be our hobby, it may be sports, it may be money and material possessions, or a host of other things - IF we allow it to come before our God, who is a jealous God (Ex. 20:3-5).

We must seek FIRST (not 2nd, 3rd, etc.) the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33). So, let us honestly search our hearts and examine our lives to make sure that no one and no thing is coming before our Lord. And if it is, to quickly remove it and to once again enthrone Jesus Christ upon our hearts.

"Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry" (1 Cor. 10:14).