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Any Idols Here?, February 9
Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
1 John 5:21
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Every true child of God will be sifted as wheat, and in the sifting
process every cherished pleasure which diverts the mind from God must
be sacrificed. In many families the mantel shelves, stands, and tables are
filled with ornaments and pictures.... Thus the thoughts, which should be
upon God and heavenly interests, are brought down to common things. Is
not this a species of idolatry? Should not the money thus spent have been
used to bless humanity, to relieve the suffering, to clothe the naked, and to
feed the hungry? Should it not be placed in the Lord’s treasury to advance
His cause and build up His kingdom in the earth?
This matter is of great importance, and it is urged upon you to save you
from the sin of idolatry. Blessing would come to your souls if you would
obey the word spoken by the Holy One of Israel, “Thou shalt have no other
gods before me.” Many are creating unnecessary cares and anxieties for
themselves by devoting time and thought to the unnecessary ornaments
with which their houses are filled. The power of God is needed to arouse
them from this devotion; for to all intents and purposes it is idolatry.
He who searches the heart, desires to win His people from every species
of idolatry. Let the Word of God, the blessed book of life, occupy the tables
now filled with useless ornaments. Spend your money in buying books
that will be the means of enlightening the mind in regard to present truth....
Grasp the Word of the Lord as the treasure of infinite wisdom and love; this
is the Guidebook that points out the path to heaven....
O that you would search the Scriptures with prayerful hearts, and a spirit
of surrender to God! O that you would search your hearts as with a lighted
candle, and discover and break the finest thread that binds you to worldly
habits, which divert the mind from God! Plead with God to show you every
practice that draws your thoughts and affections from Him. God has given
His holy law to man as His measure of character. By this law you may see
and overcome every defect in your character. You may sever yourself from
every idol, and link yourself to the throne of God by the golden chain of
grace and truth.
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