Combating Idolatry

I've felt like the topic of Idolatry has come up more than ever the past few weeks of devotions, and I strongly believe that it is a constant problem especially in our first world societies, with so much, constant advertisements here and there, the consumerism involved, anything and almost everything can become an idol in our lives, pushing Christ off the top spot in our lives and our hearts. Paul talks about three things that should not do within verses 8-10.

we should not commit sexual immorality (v.8).
Sex in society today has changed how God intended sex to be, it is to be sacred, shared between husband and wife, yet nowadays it has become some leisure activity for self pleasure. When indulging in sexual immorality, you are making sex and yourself an idol. You want to please yourself, your selfish desires become so strong and ultimately become the idol in your life.

we should not test Christ (v.9).
Christ is the ruler of the universe, of all things, he should be at the top of our list, the one we devote our entire lives to. When we choose to test Him, we are saying that we believe there is something better our there. We test to see if Christ truly satisfies. Whatever you are testing with becomes that idol. But im sure that after ever time, that thing fails you because on Christ truly sustains.

we should not grumble (v.10).
When we grumble, we are unhappy; whether if its with our stuff, or with our relationships, but when we are unhappy about such things, we are saying we are not content with what God has blessed us with. We are apart of the most rich people on this earth, God has given us so much, opportunities, education, family, friends, food, the list never ends. Why should we be grumbling? What more do we want? That becomes the idol in our lives. Greed.

All these things are tempting, its 24/7, Satan is always at work trying to pull you down and draw you away from Christ. But God promises us that there will always be a way out from the temptations we are faced with.

¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. - 1 Corinthians 10:13

He calls us to flee from idols (v.13). Similarly to sexual immorality, we're told to flee. Run in the other direction. I think he doesn't call us to fight it face on because its too powerful. Fleeing does not make you a coward, it shows that you are strong enough to turn away, knowing when you do not have enough strength to defeat the enemy and you have faith in God to sustain and support you.

We cannot lead a double live, serving both God and sin, drinking from both the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons (v.21).

We must learn to discipline ourselves for God. We are devoted followers, 110%, and we must practice self control for God's glory. Let us do all things for His praise because he is worthy of all of it.

verse of the day: 1 Corinthians 10:31

³¹ So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.