I introduced this quarter’s book recommendation, Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters, and then talked about the idols that plague our lives. What hope do we have in overcoming them?
Timothy Keller gives a gentle reminder that idols cannot be overcome; they must be replaced. Saying, “No!” to our idols also requires that we say, “Yes!” to a new life that God has made available to us.
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4: 22-24, New International Version (NIV)
Idols reveal the deceitful desires that can ultimately corrupt our lives. Through Jesus Christ, God has transformed us. He has given us a new mind, a new attitude, and we are therefore, new people in him. We do not have to submit to our idols. We can live in the freedom that God desires for each of us. This is the hope that we have in Christ Jesus, and it is the only hope that truly matters.
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2: 11-14 (NIV)
In what ways have you said, “Yes” to Godliness? How are you eager to do good?
I look forward to starting a new book discussion in January. More details to come soon!
Blessings, Natasha
© Natasha L. Robinson 2010
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So glad you are doing this, Natasha. I believe we are all such idolators and usually don’t realize it. Yes, we must put them off and replace them!!