1 Corinthians 10:6-7
Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.”
People are slow to learn. I know I am sometimes. We can learn a lot by looking at the mistakes of other people. The experiences of ancient Israel offer us many helpful insights–if we will take these stories seriously and not as myths or fabrications. The story of Israel was one of ups and downs, more downs than ups. The biggest issue they had was idolatry.
When we replace worship of God with anything or anyone else, our lives will begin to fall apart. That is because we find meaning best and only in putting God first. We get too caught up in our daily activities. We think that life is only about getting ahead. I find it fascinating that some famous people in their 70s and 80s are amassing great wealth or suing people for money. These famous people only have a few years of life at best. Why do they need more money? If we only think life is about partying and getting more, we will be sorely disappointed. We will miss what really matters in life.
I have found that my life is happiest and best when I am putting God first. That does not mean my life is not full of trials or that everything goes nicely. But I find that I have a perspective that helps me through these times. When I have replaced God with something else like jobs, study, duties, or the such, that I lose sight of the bigger picture. I see people as objects to be used to meet my personal goals. Loving God allows me to love others and myself better. Idolatry appeals to the deepest fallenness of independence within us. It allows us to be in control of our own destiny. Sadly, this will end in ruin in this life and in eternity.
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