1 John 5:21 "Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen."
This is almost like a P.S. at the end of a letter. It seems to just strike John at the very end that he needs to include this. At first it may seem like this, however the verse before John was going over what it means to understand the One True God and have life through that understanding.
This verse naturally follows that thought. An idol is anything that prevents us from worshiping the True God with a whole, undivided heart. In John's time it was definitely wooden or stone images. However, today we know that an idol doesn't necessarily have to be a graven image. It can be anything that we place above God. Whether it is money, self, a relationship, a job, or fame, there are many, many things that can attempt to replace God on the throne of our hearts.
The word "keep" means to watch over, guard carefully so that something doesn't escape. Our sinful flesh will constantly be warring to escape to serve sin. We must daily wage war to keep ourselves from the sin that so easily besets us.
Are there any idols in my life? They're easy to spot - they control my joy. Am I willing to repent, turn back to God, and daily fight to keep myself from idols?
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