June 8, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Garden Of The Gods National Park, CO (NPS)

Bible Study Verses

Isaiah 44:9

All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame.  (NIV)

Exodus 20:4

"You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below." (NIV)

Thoughts 

Webster's dictionary defines an idol as a representation or symbol of an object of worship, an object of extreme devotion, a pretender/ impostor, a false conception, or a form or appearance visible without substance.

Sometimes a sports person's favorite recreational vehicle (a boat, truck, or ATV), a favorite rifle or shotgun, a favorite fishing rod and reel, even favorite lures, our jobs, sports heroes, or people in the entertainment industry can become an idol. 

(Tom B)

  

Action Point

There is nothing wrong with giving proper respect to an individual or his or her history making career. It's okay to spend extra time maintaining an item of outdoor gear or giving your best effort in your work. The problem is when personal priorities lose their proper order in our lives. Respect becomes idolatry when the value of someone or an object becomes more important than our respect for our heavenly Father.  

I've heard people say in regards to the current economic situation, that nothing is going to keep them from taking out their boat and going fishing. Those of us who love the outdoors can empathize sometimes with this way of thinking.  

Maybe idolatry takes the form of a purchase of a $500 rod and reel combination or new shotgun or rifle; nothing wrong here if you have the money to do it.  

The problem (idolatry) comes when that desire reaches above normal levels.  

A checklist for determining whether an object has become a little god in our lives is: 

• Has it become more important than your attention and time for God?
• Are you still giving of yourself and finances to your church?
• Are you hurting your relationships with your family through your personal idol worship?

We should all follow Christ's teaching: "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself, '" Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV).

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day 

There is nothing wrong with giving proper maintenance to outdoor equipment. One small, but very important item on an angler's list is the line on a fishing reel. Check the last 10-15 feet of line for nicks or rough spots; this could be the difference between landing a fish or the one that got away. Re- spool with fresh line or at least clip off the damaged end.