“Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.” (Psalm 115:4 NKJV)
“The unbelievers worship what they make – their wealth and their work.” (Psalm 115:4 TPT)
“Their idols are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands.” (Psalm 115:4 NLT)
“The idols [of the nations] are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.” (Psalm 115:4 AMP)
“Their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands.” (Psalm 115:4 HCSB)
“The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of the hands of men.” (Psalm 115:4 ABIPE)
Here is Daddy’s question for me today, “Eric, what are you putting before me?”
That question definitely makes me stop and think about how I spend my time, money, effort, energy, resources, and love. I have heard, mainly in the context of raising kids, that love is spelled T-I-M-E. I think that definition applies equally to my relationship with my Daddy (my Heavenly Abba Father). It seems like far too often I get running in life and my Daddy gets the “leftovers.” I share this because anything that takes a higher priority in my life (all of the areas already shared, along with anything else that draws my attention) than my Daddy becomes an “idol.” If my attention and affection is drawn away from my Daddy by any thing that I have made (even good things), then that thing becomes an idol.
This world is filled with idols. I am continually tempted to run after silver and gold in an attempt to “live the dream.” Many times I try to gain satisfaction out of my human relationships that will only come from my relationship with my Daddy. Unbelievers “worship what they make.” What is the old saying? Oh yes, “I am a self made man.” I think you get the picture.
Bottom line is that if I allow my pride to lead me into living a life of self sufficiency I will give my attention and affection to the works of my own hands. I will begin to worship “idols” made of silver and gold. It is very easy for me to step into the trap of worshipping my wealth and my work.
So here is my answer to my Daddy’s question, “I admit that I have put just about everything in my life before You at one time or another. I do not want it to be that way ever again. I desire You to be first and foremost in every aspect of my life and being. You are my all in all!”
I am open to any change that is needed as I think about…
…Eric’s Life Lesson # 273 Life’s True Hero (Psalm 115) – Part 5 – Verse 4