Jesus in the Center

You can make an idol out of anything or anyone in life. A church building can become an idol to us, when all the while it is simply a place to meet and worship our Lord - nothing more. Your child can become your idol. . . in subtle ways you can so adore that little one that your whole life revolves around the child. Your mate or date can be given first place in your life and literally idolized. Your work can easily become your God. . . as can some pursuit in life. A house, a lawn, an antique car, a letter sport, an education, a trip abroad, and even that goal of "retirement". . .

Your Lord and Savior wants to occupy first place. Matthew 6:33 says that when He has it, everything else will be added to you. How long has it been since you've enlisted your Lord's help in a private, personal temple-cleansing session? It's so easy to get attached to idols - good things, inappropriately adored. But when you have Jesus in the center of the room, everything else only junks up the decor.

-From Come Before Winter by Charles Swindoll; part of The Inspirational Study Bible: New Century Version by Max Lucado

Who created you? Who can you ultimately depend on? Where can you find supreme truth? Where can you find happiness? Did you answer anything but God for these questions? If so, you may be in danger of falling into idolatry. Pull yourself out of that trap and let God be the one you rely on.

You must not have any other gods except me. -Exodus 20:3

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