Idolatry in common living

Verse of the day is Revelation 1:3 - "Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."

Today as I had a few moments of quiet time to read and listen to the Lord, I heard a warning that hit my heart at the core. It came from Mark Driscoll, the pastor of Mars Hill church in Seattle, WA. The main question he addressed in his opening of the book of Revelation is "Who do YOU worship?"

I don't care that our society freely and openly worships Mother Earth, youthfulness, sex, money and power, but what about me?? Who do I worship, adore, cherish, spend my time with, give my money to, pay attention to...WHO?

John in Revelation tells us in verses 4-6: "Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood."

Man, Jesus is worthy of my worship isn't He?! Re-read that passage: He is alive because He conquered death and IS coming back for me (and all believers); He is TRUTH and can be relied upon; He freed me from my sins; He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords and HE LOVES ME! Hallelujah, that's unbelievable!! Isn't that enough to give Him all of my attention?

So do my actions speak louder than my words when I monitor my bank account every day? When I care more what the world thinks about me than what Jesus would think about my daily pursuits? When I worry day after day about my possessions? Ouch.

Lord, please forgive me because I worship Baal and myself. Please continue to show me patience and mercy as I daily call YOU to be my Savior, my King and my Lord, not these other empty gods. Work on my heart and never stop, Father. I love YOU. Amen.