Smash Your Idols

1 John 2:15-16 | Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

The Bible warns us that the world will always compete with our love for and worship of God. This doesn't mean creation. The Apostle Paul uses the word "world" to mean that which opposes God. And anything that sets itself against God is considered an idol. God intentionally designed us to worship, but the problem comes when our worship turns to idolatry as we direct it to things of the world. In verse 16, John identifies three areas of potential idolatry: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride.
If we want to grow in love with God, we must identify areas where we love the world. John tells us that love for God and the world can't coexist in our hearts. Can we be honest enough today to admit our love has been divided? And then, are we ready to do something about it?
 
Journal Prompt: Consider the three areas of idolatry John describes. Is there a particular area of struggle for you? Have you fully confessed a sin, or is there one you are still holding on to with fondness? Use today’s journal time to write a prayer about this.