Chosen by God!

We are to avoid any form of idolatry, acknowledging that there is only one God. Idolatry is anything in our lives that we give more attention, or honor to instead of God. When can recognize idols in our lives when we look at how we spend our time and money. We offend God when we allow anything to replace Him in our affections. The Word of God tells us clearly what our stance on idolatry should be:

“Therefore, my dearly beloved, shun (keep clear away from, avoid by flight if need be) any sort of idolatry (of loving or venerating anything more than God).” (I Corinthians 10:14 AMPC)

Idolatry is so serious in God’s eyes that we must do everything we can to make sure we keep Him first in our lives. Whatever we are doing at the expense of our time with the Lord must be downsized or removed from our lives.

God will discipline us because of various forms of idolatry – that is, putting anything before God. His Word tells us in Exodus 20:3-5 that we should have “no other gods before Him,” we should not make “carved images,” and that He is a “jealous God.” (Carved images today could be social media.) Because of this God will discipline us when we esteem anything more highly than Him.

“My son, do not think lightly or scorn to submit to the correction and discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage and give up and faint when you are reproved or corrected by Him; For the Lord corrects and disciplines everyone whom He loves, and He punishes, even scourges, every son whom He accepts and welcomes to His heart and cherishes.” (Hebrews 12:5b-6 AMPC)

Idolatry can be things, people, even ministries. And when we make any of these things, even good things, more important than God He will discipline us. God’s discipline can be reflected in many ways. He can allow us to lose whatever it is we have placed before Him. He could diminish or deplete whatever we have made our focal point instead of Him. He could choose to be silent. Our prayer life could be impacted.

Be encouraged, even in God’s discipline because when we repent, turn from wrongful doing, disobedience, and turn to Him and obedience, He will forgive us and restore us. While there are consequences for our choices, it is always balanced with grace, love, and forgiveness. All we have to do is put our relationship with God in its rightful place – first.

“If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].” (I John 1:9 AMPC)

God always provides us with a way back to Him.

Be Encouraged! ❤

Leisa Wilkins Ministries

"Encouraging and Empowering you to become who God created you to be, God's Masterpiece, a Divine Original!"

Pastor | Author | Bible Teacher | Speaker | Encourager

www.leisawilkins.com