Lately, I have not felt like I have been giving God the attention that He so rightly deserves. If I am being totally honest, I have just let other “things” get in the way of the time that I need to spend with Him. I was convicted this Sunday morning when I woke up – the first thought wasn’t to spend a moment thanking Him that I made it through the night to see another day. Instead, I thought of a game that I have been playing on my phone. Most of us have been there. We found a game that helps us to pass the boring times like waiting at a doctor’s office, riding in a car, or just sitting around the house. It all starts innocently and before we know it we are hooked. Sometimes I have become so obsessed with getting to the next level or collecting the coins or other tasks that I have stayed up later than I should have, or woke up in the middle of the night, picked up the phone and started playing.
I don’t think I am the only one that has done that. If it is not a cell phone or computer game, maybe it is something else that monopolizes your time – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter…? Maybe it is your favorite Netflix series, TV show or Network? Anything that we place more emphasis on than more important things, like taking care of your family or spending time praying or reading our Bible.
I remember my mom telling a story about how she used to watch a certain soap opera when she was a young mother. Every weekday she would do her housework around this program. She would get up extra early if necessary to get her housework done so that she could be sure and be devoted to watching this show once it came on. She became so invested in it and a few particular characters that she started imitating the behavior of those characters each day. For example, if “Linda” was in a bad mood, then Mom would be in a bad mood. If “Linda” was being lovey dovey toward her husband “Bob” then Mom would be more loving toward my Dad when he got home. After a while Mom realized what was happening to her personality based on the program. She was convicted over her actions and made the decision to quit watching the show, because it was becoming an addiction. Addictions can come in different forms and if left unchecked, they can actually take over your ability to make good decisions. I totally get the story she told. I recognize the game I enjoy playing is taking time away from more important things.
Jonah 2:8
“Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.” NIV
The KJV calls worthless idols “lying vanities”.
Boy that hits me hard. I don’t want anything to cause me to turn away from God’s love. His grace, mercy, and love are where my hope comes from.
So what am I or what are you going to do about it?
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
If you are guilty of this also, will you take this pledge with me?
I resolve that I Will make a stronger attempt to recognize worthless idols that sneak into my everyday life and bring those actions, thoughts, objects ….”idols” under control and put them in their rightful place.
A Brighter Place 