Scripture Text: 1 John 5:21
Little children, guard yourselves from idols.
1 John 5:21 (HCSB)
What do I want my last words to be? I’m not morbid, but I’ve pondered this topic. I’d like to say something profound that would be quoted for generations. Or maybe I’d quote a favorite verse of Scripture. But what if I don’t have time to choose? Unfortunately, my last words might very well turn out to be a “Dad joke”!
Especially compared to Paul’s letters, the last words of 1 John may seem abrupt: “Little children, guard yourselves from idols.” (v. 21). Period. Stop. End of letter. What is an “idol”? It’s anything in which we seek satisfaction apart from God. It’s anything that rules or takes top priority in our lives, including finances, career, convenience, or power.
An idol can also be anything that corrupts the biblical gospel, such as the “prosperity gospel” or “Christian nationalism.” It’s anything that’s contrary to Scripture, such as the Gnosticism of John’s day. Some idols can even be good things that we mistakenly elevate to the status of the best thing. For instance, we can turn our children into idols. We can turn ourselves into idols, putting ourselves on the throne of our lives.
Idols stand opposed to the true God (v. 20). Idolatry contradicts what God created us for and what He saved us for. It stands in the way of a close relationship with Him. Verse 21 is a very appropriate last word for an epistle focused on assurance of salvation and the outworking of God’s saving love in our lives.
Instead of idolatry, we’re to worship God alone, in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. To “keep yourselves from idols” means, then, in the words of another translation: “Keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts” (NLT).
Reflect
1. At first glance, we may think we don’t worship any idols. But do we?
2. What might those who are watching our life see at its center?
3. Is it clearly Christ? Or something else?
Remember
Believers-followers of Christ, we are to guard ourselves against anything that could replace God in our affections and to maintain a steadfast commitment to the worship of the one true God. It is always crucial and extremely important for us to have spiritual vigilance and devotion to God above all else.
In line with this, we can always ask the Holy Spirit for an honest assessment of us.
Read
Exodus 20:3-4; 1 Corinthians 10:7-14; 2 Corinthians 6:16–17
Pray
Heavenly Father, I have seen believers who have lost their fervor. I am moved to compassion but also fear, in case I too lose my focus on You. Father, reveal any idols in my life and help me turn back to You, the Lord of my heart. In Your Son Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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