Idolatry of the Heart

Today's reflection: " But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provisions for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." Romans 13:14

This entry is about selfishness. It is about the self-centered lives we lead. I think many people need to step back and take a hard look at their lives and think about the direction they are going. I have to admit, I am often guilty of being selfish and self-centered. It is difficult to walk in a way that is right, if I don't submit to Jesus. I wonder how many times things go wrong because I don't take myself off of the throne in my heart where Jesus is supposed to sit and rule. 

Are you letting Jesus rule your heart? Or, are you trying to do it all by yourself? When you try to do things independently of Christ, I believe that God will allow you to do just that, but you won't like the results of your labor. Additionally, if we do not start our day with Jesus, it is just too easy to give the devil a foothold and he is our greatest accuser. I don't like talking about the enemy, but when we walk outside the protection of the Bible, the enemy seeks to destroy us. Don't let pride in to your heart. If you are not walking in Christ right now, return to Him and submit yourself. Genuinely tell Him you are sorry for the way you have been living. 

When we are selfish, that is idolatry because, we make our selves to be more important that God. I have heard my pastor mention many times that self-pity is idolatry, also.  Ask yourself which is more important, and what you desire more: Savior? Or, self? I believe that if you are a Christian, and you are sinning, you will be miserable doing it. God will do everything He can to help you realize, "Hey, I am not supposed to be living like this!" When you realize, then repent, that is to turn away from what you were doing that was sinful and don't look back. If you have a habitual sin that doesn't seem to want to go away, you have to change your life, sometimes your surroundings, the places you go, and likely the people you associate with regularly, especially if they are leading you stumble.

If you are reading this today, know that you are not alone. God loves you. He is merciful and is always good. It is His kindness that leads us to repentance. Take the time to do a personal inventory. Is it time to clean out the temple like Jesus did? Do you have any idols lurking in your heart? I know I have found some in my life lately, and it was a wake up call for me to get right. I don't think that struggle will go away over night, but I have Jesus, and He is my helper. He will make my heart right. It is my desire to submit to Him daily, and to live rightly in Him. Guard your heart today by reading God's word, and seek His will.

Jesus, my prayer for today is that You will guard our hearts. Help us to walk in the Spirit, and not conform to the patterns of this world. Help us to put You first each day, that we will not commit idolatry through our own self-centered interests. Be at the center of our hearts. Keep loving us and guiding us. Today show us how to live according to Your will and be holy, as You are holy. Thank you for Your kindness and mercy. Fill our hearts with Your grace. Reveal the dark spots in our hearts and make them clean again. Forgive me for the things I have done and made more important than You. Help me to change and to not give into temptation. Purify my heart that I might seek You with a clear conscience. In Your name, Amen.