When you drive into Banff National Park, the view of a spectacular mountain greets you as you reach the crest of the first hill. It has a classic triangle shape with a waterfall cascading in steps down a craggy flank. Cascade Mountain is known for the number of deaths that occur when ice climbers fail attempting to scale its frozen falls. It is as merciless as it is irresistible to those who enjoy the extreme sport of ice climbing.
Idols are people, things, or ideas that mean more to us than God Himself. Like the mountain, idols might be beautiful and downright irresistible, but they are also deadly. They might hold out the promise of excitement or adventure. They may appear to give us a sense of purpose, or belonging, or focus in life. But what idols ultimately offer is false belief, despair, and other great shame and vice. What does God do when we boldly worship idols? He holds out His Word before us to warn us of the danger. Then He boldly offers us understanding through that Word so that we may know that Jesus Christ is the true God and eternal life!
Prayer: Lord God, grant me Your forgiveness and Your grace so that by Your Holy Spirit, You
may overcome the idols of my life and win the victory in Jesus’ name. Amen.
My Bold Action for Today: Do your commitments to family, hobbies, or sports win out over your commitment to attend church? This Advent, identify your idols and ask the Holy Spirit for courage and guidance to set the right priorities!
Rev. Roland Kubke