November 19th

Wrong Way Worship

Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all at the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 1 Corinthians 10:1-5

Hey, listen up, there's something I want you to know.

That's how Paul started 1 Corinthians 10. I think that's an interesting way for him to start this chapter. In some translations, it says, I don't want you to be deceived. And cer-

tainly if Paul thought it was important to know, then we should make it important to know as well.

He wanted them to know about Israel and how they got tripped up and distracted by idols, how they didn't even make it into the Promised Land. He names some of them in the next few verses so that we can make sure we stay free from them and avoid the same fate as those Israelites.

First, he names lust. It's an idol, lust. Sexual immorality, that's an idol, too, just a click away on your computer. Guys, gals, I'm telling you, get the help you need to keep this idol from destroying your life. Don't let it trip you up.

Second, he names tempting Christ. It's an idol, but what does it mean? It means taking the things God has given you for granted, even hating them, and wishing you had never come out of the world. That might be a surprise for some of you, because the way you're living, it's like you haven't come out of the world yet. Come out of the world, then be thankful for what God's done for you.

Third, he names complaining. Yes, complaining. It's an idol, taking your eyes off of God and all He's done for you and yelling at Him like He hasn't made things good enough for you. So what's the point of all this? I mean, surely you and I aren't going to fall into idolatry,

right? Well, don't be so fast, because Paul warns us to take heed, lest we fall.

In other words, we shouldn't just pass ourselves on this test and assume that we're okay. What we need to do instead is look to Jesus, because the point here is that we can't do life God's way by ourselves. We need help-His help.

Will you humble yourself today, asking God to help you live for Him?

Prayer Lord God,

Thank You for giving me the Israelites as an example so that I can learn from their mistakes. Please help me today and every day to live for You, staying away from all idols and worshiping You alone!

Amen