I am doing this Bible study...
...and it is GREAT! I'm only on the first chapter, and already several things have convicted my heart. It's about "modern day idols" in our lives. At the very beginning of the book, the lesson defined what modern day idols would be: something we set our heart on, that rules us, and we have an overattachment to.
Let me just give you a taste.
Today's lesson was from Isaiah 44:1-20. It talked about how craftsmen used their skills to make idols. They used God-given materials and God-given skills for other purposes other than worshipping Him. So, the author focussed on our skills, passions, and talents, and how we use them. She gave the example of a fitness guru, and how one may be obsessed with his/her figure and working out. But then she went on to say this, "Certainly being skilled and wise are worthy and desirable goals. They become a problem when we use these things to create false gods that we end up serving."
She challenged the reader to think about our skills, talents, and expertise; and then asked us, "How are these things being used for the glory of God."
"Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
My personal connection: Jason and I were asked before Christmas to be the directors for our toddler children's church. My plan was to politely decline because my heart is at Wellford Baptist with my family and hoping to move my membership back there; and plus, I'm not a big fan of working with church children (it's not the same as school kids). But I had been praying that if God wanted us to stay at Tucapau, then I needed Him to open doors and open my eyes to where we could be involved and get more out of our church experience. My mind was already made up - I was going back "home", but then this door opened, and Jason wanted to give it a try and convinced me that this is where we need to be right now. I have an education degree, and I have a toddler of my own, so it seems like I have SOME "skills" in this area. But I have reluctantly (and bitterly in my heart) begun to work with our toddler program. Then this lesson hit me - Am I using my skills (with a positive attitude) to glorify God? My answer is no, when it should be yes. My bitterness in my heart to do this job I've been asked to do for the Lord does not glorify Him. And although this isn't an idol I'm worshipping, the bitterness in my heart is like an idol because it has ruled me and has attached itself to me.
Let me just say that my heart was convicted.
Are you using your skills, talents, expertise, and passions to glorify God?
1 comments:
Oh to know how it is to want to go back "home". When I first moved from Wellford I never thought I would ever be as comfortable in another church. I slowly started working with the children at our "new" church and fell in love with it all over again. Then, one day Shane wanted to move churches, from the church he had belonged to since he was 8, and go to a church with only around 100 members and very few young people. He loved the pastor and felt that was where he needed to be. I didn't want to change yet again but with a closed mind, and somewhat closed heart, I agreed. It's been over a year now and I love it -- I feel so at home and by giving up my wants I was able to see that, at this point in my life, I am exactly where I need to be . . . Good Luck - and what lucky toddlers those kids are!
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