“This is what the Lord says: What fault did your ancestors find in me, that they strayed so far from me? They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves. They did not ask, ‘Where is the Lord,…?’” (Jeremiah 2:5-6a).
While serving at Racine Assembly of God I remember a day driving by Hansen Funeral Home on Northwestern Avenue. As I glanced at the funeral home parking lot, I saw a U-Haul Truck parked there. The first thought that came to my mind was, “Someone is trying to take their possessions with them!” My second thought brought me back to my senses, but the subject of the thought is not far from the truth as there are many who strive to acquire as much “stuff” as they can. Their greed drives them to obtain as many material possessions as possible. They place much value on their earthly possessions.
Speaking of their ancestors, God spoke these words to the tribe of Judah through Jeremiah, “They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves.” Even after the ways that Jehovah had protected them and provided for them, the Israelites turned from the one true God and followed other gods, which are not really gods (Jeremiah 2:11). The result is they became “worthless.”
They were not worthless in the sense of their creation. They were created in the image of God. They were chosen by God to be the people that the Messiah would be sent to the world through. Many, however, became worthless to God’s mission because of their idolatry. From this we discover this truth: WHAT WE WORSHIP DEEPLY AFFECTS OUR LIVES!
Our “god” is what we give supreme worth to. Lisa Bevere in John Bevere’s book, Kryptonite, identifies your “god” or “idol” as “what you draw your strength from or give your strength to.” I can see this truth evidenced in my life while I was growing up. The Green Bay Packers were an “idol.” When they won, I felt invigorated. When they lost (which happened a lot in the 70’s), I became drained.
Worship is not just the 1 to 1 ½ hours you give to attending “church” online or in person. It is a daily commitment to impacts every area of our lives. When we give our supreme worth to God, we will draw strength from His Word and submit our lives to His Spirit daily. When Jesus is really Lord, our actions will carry with them a great “worth” as it relates to be effectual in God’s mission.
The Israelites turned from God and followed worthless idols because they allowed the “world” around them to influence their lives. Bad company will corrupt good character. BE CAREFUL WHO YOU ALLOW SPEAK INTO YOUR LIFE! I would emphasize this during this time of “safe at home.”
Do not allow television and/or social media become your main source of “seed-planting” into your mind. Remember, media wants to have viewers and followers so they will major in presenting the “stories” that will keep people watching. God will not be mocked! You will reap what you sow (Galatians 6). What you give worth to (time, money, energy) will impact your life!