Greetings Prayer Warriors,
When I was younger and heard the story of Exodus, in which God led the people out of Egypt through his servant, Moses, followed by Moses being given the Ten Commandments on Mt Sinai for all the people, I imagined it must have been an incredible time to live and to witness the goodness and mercy of God. However, I was alway a bit dumbfounded as to why the people who were so grateful to God suddenly created a golden calf to worship when Moses was absent for a while. It seems like such ingratitude!
They have quickly turned aside from the way I commanded them, making for themselves a molten calf and bowing down to it, sacrificing to it and crying out, “These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!” I have seen this people, how stiff-necked they are. Exodus 32:8-9
Yet, I look at our culture today and realize we aren’t that different. We have made many golden calves of our own. As we have slowly pushed God out of our culture, it has devolved, and few consider that Sunday is the Lord’s Day. Now instead of worshiping God, we worship self!
The god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they may not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
How have we worshiped self? By leading a life whereby we hope everybody gazes upon us! We can have an over-emphasis on health and beauty, draping ourselves in the latest designer fashions, and artificially molding our bodies so that others would adore us. Let’s not forget that we often have to take those selfies and glorify ourselves by posting them so many more people can worship our body and envy our lifestyle!
Perhaps that’s not you. Maybe the golden calf that replaces your physical presence in church or daily prayer time with the Lord is sports attendance/participation/viewing, a long time favorite Sunday Golden Calf for many.
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few. Matthew 7:13-14
There are many versions of the golden calf as the devil love to set subtle snares. A little self-reflection can help you identify yours. Pray for eyes to see. The Lord always awaits us with open arms, and a heart overflowing with mercy and love. We only need to turn to Him.
Pray this weekend for the spiritual health of your family. Resolve to change what you can, and be a true witness to others. You never stand alone.
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Change starts with self! Pass it on!
