Any Idols
Here?
Little children, keep
yourselves from idols. 1 John 5:21.
Every true child of God will be sifted as wheat, and in the sifting
process every cherished pleasure which diverts the mind from God must
be sacrificed. In many families the mantel shelves, stands, and tables
are filled with ornaments and pictures. . . . Thus the thoughts, which
should be upon God and heavenly interests, are brought down to common
things. Is not this a species of idolatry? Should not the money thus
spent have been used to bless humanity, to relieve the suffering,
to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry? Should it not be placed
in the Lord's treasury to advance His cause and build up His kingdom
in the earth?
This matter is of great
importance, and it is urged upon you to save you from the sin of idolatry.
Blessing would come to your souls if you would obey the word spoken
by the Holy One of Israel, "Thou shalt have no other gods before
me." Many are creating unnecessary cares and anxieties for themselves
by devoting time and thought to the unnecessary ornaments with which
their houses are filled. The power of God is needed to arouse them
from this devotion; for to all intents and purposes it is idolatry.
He who searches the heart,
desires to win His people from every species of idolatry. Let the
Word of God, the blessed book of life, occupy the tables now filled
with useless ornaments. Spend your money in buying books that will
be the means of enlightening the mind in regard to present truth.
. . . Grasp the Word of the Lord as the treasure of infinite wisdom
and love; this is the Guidebook that points out the path to heaven.
. . .
O that you would search
the Scriptures with prayerful hearts, and a spirit of surrender to
God! O that you would search your hearts as with a lighted candle,
and discover and break the finest thread that binds you to worldly
habits, which divert the mind from God! Plead with God to show you
every practice that draws your thoughts and affections from Him. God
has given His holy law to man as His measure of character. By this
law you may see and overcome every defect in your character. You may
sever yourself from every idol, and link yourself to the throne of
God by the golden chain of grace and truth.
From Maranatha - Page 48
