Colossians 3:2-6 reads:
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience…
One of the things that I found remarkable about the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 was how it took away many of our idols. Those cultural, political, and athletic icons that we emulated and revered suddenly came to a screeching halt.
There were no concerts, no football games, and no new theatrical releases. Work and school were canceled. 401(k)’s quickly plummeted. Politicians seemed as confused as the rest of us. The things that people clung to as anchors in life were suddenly gone.
In their absence, many realized their need for God instead.
Almost all of us have idols in our lives, which have taken a place of honor that should be reserved for our Lord and Savior. These things are mortal and temporary, yet we give them priority in our lives and follow them almost religiously.
The Bible—from the beginning of the Old Testament to the end of the New Testament—repeatedly issues warnings to avoid idolatry and focus on the One True God. The admonitions are not quaint suggestions, but forceful proclamations regarding the eternal risks of turning from God to the things of this world.
The contrast is clear. If your mind is set on Heaven and your eternity is surrendered to Christ, glory awaits. Conversely, if you make the pleasures and desires of this world your idol—if you turn your back on God and worship temporary “things”—you are traveling down a path that leads to eternal separation from God.
The blessing, my friends, is that it is not too late for you! If you recognize areas of your life where you’ve elevated worldly elements into a place of power in your life, I beg you to reorder your priorities today and return Christ to the throne of your heart. Jesus died to take away the idols which once controlled you.
As you surrender those things to Him as Savior, He will give you a new life and the promise of eternity with Him in Heaven.
