I love the discipline of the Lord, because I know it is a sign that He loves me (Hebrews 12:5-6). He points out idols, which I erect in my life; and He helps me to lay them down at His feet.
They are not obvious idols like money, addictions, covetousness or seeking other gods. They are sly, subtle idols, which usually stir up negative emotions in my soul.
For instance, I like everyone to be happy. I am tenacious and dogged, and I will move mountains to ensure that those I love are happy and content.
However,
having everyone delighted and satisfied is an idol in my life. This state of
sublime joy is impossible to attain through human effort.
I have to be willing for my family members to be unhappy and discontent, and to stop trying to fix things for them. I need to lay my family's happiness at Jesus' feet and allow Him to work out His will in their lives.
I have to be willing for my family members to be unhappy and discontent, and to stop trying to fix things for them. I need to lay my family's happiness at Jesus' feet and allow Him to work out His will in their lives.
Another
idol, which He recently exposed in me, is that I like having my ideas valued and
taken to heart. I come up with good ideas, because of the analytical mind God
gave me.
However,
some people reject my ideas before they even hear my whole thought (Proverbs
18:13). They acclaim ideas, which other
people have; but disdain most of my ideas. God delivered me from these idols
and so many more.
The Lord
only disciplines His children (Proverbs 3:12). This is a sign of His enduring
love for us and that He cares enough to remove things from our life, which have
a negative effect on us.
Prayer:
Father God,
remind me to walk in Your Spirit and not to care if people receive my efforts
to do Your will. They have issues of their own that You are working out in
their soul. Their behavior and words are no real reflection on me.
I want to
make a difference in people’s lives, but I do not want to walk outside of Your
will. I lay down my need to help others and I commit myself to Your will for my
life and theirs.
Thought
for the Day:
Idols come
in all sizes, shapes and packages; God will reveal them to us as we listen to His
Spirit each moment of the day.
