“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.” 1 Corinthians 10:7 (ESV)
While performing music at a restaurant the other evening, some of my friends concluded that there was no better way to spend an evening after a hard day.
The conversation made me consider the place God’s gifts have in our hearts. Music is a powerful medium. Since it was God’s idea to begin with, I’m not surprised that many have noted its potential to heal and encourage. But maybe the dark side of this gift is not the heavy metal genre, but rather the way millions run to it for satisfaction instead of to God.
Those of us living in affluent societies are privileged to have time for recreation and entertainment, and as such, we must guard against turning God’s gifts into idols. There is nothing wrong with sitting down to eat and to drink and rising up to play, but when we offer devotion to what we enjoy more than to the source of our joy, we are in danger of putting Creation before the Creator.
If we run to our favorite form of fun to relieve stress, without acknowledging the gift-giver, we turn His common grace into an idol and Jesus no longer has center place in our lives.
But when relationship with Jesus is our first priority, we can enjoy all of God’s gifts with thanksgiving and for His glory.
God, thank You so much for your gifts. Please protect my heart from turning them into idols. I choose today to pursue satisfaction in You above anything else. Amen.
Take Action
The next time you’re stressed and have free time, simply tell God how you feel. Have a conversation with Him instead of immediately pursing your favorite form of relaxation. Then go and have fun with Him for His glory.