Did you know that TikTok tracks how many videos you’ve watched on the app? I regret to inform you that I discovered this in the settings. It is with deep sadness that I also regret to inform you that every one of those dumb videos you watch is tallied up, even if your username is “User8723098439823094802348” and your picture is a gray circle.
In today’s reading, we read about God’s people worshiping idols while Moses had his ten commandment tablet moment with God. I remember being a kid, hearing this story in Sunday School, and wondering how the Israelites could be so stupid. Like, don’t you guys know that God’s finger is writing on a rock your friend, Moses, is holding right now? Why are you obsessed with a statue?
It can seem absurd to read some of the sins recorded in these ancient cultures, but man—how similarly strange are the things we value through our countless tally of views each day?
I’m not anti-video-clip. I’m not boycotting Netflix. But, if the best part of my day is watching a girl get her hair highlighted with some synth behind it in my headphones…that sounds almost as absurd as exalting a gold calf.
In 1 Corinthians 10:6–7, Paul warns the people of Corinth not to be idolaters. And then, it reads, the people ate, drank, and partied. It seems we never learn.
Worshiping power or money or comfort or cows made out of melted jewelry leads to discontentment, increased exhaustion, and heartache. But, the beautiful thing is, we have Someone better to give our attention to. Jesus can captivate us. Jesus has erased our offenses. He can heal us, lead us, and comfort us when life hurts too much. When spending time with Jesus is the best part of my day, I feel rested, whole and purposeful, and content.
Tonight, when you’re winding down with that Texan beekeeper who shares videos of bees being transported to new hives (I have found myself in some strange rabbit holes), take a break and return to God’s Word. Even if you already have that morning. See what He reveals to you and puts in your heart. Jesus is the One worthy of our worship, attention, and affection. Let’s give it to Him.
It can be a fine line from enjoying pleasurable things to overindulging. Our God created many wonderful things for us to enjoy and doesn’t want us to feel guilty when we do! But He asks that we put Him first and remember that He is the source of true joy. Help me to keep that perspective when I fall into temptation to just veg out in front of the tv or play games endlessly on my phone! Love and prayers for all on this Tuesday!
This is the quote in my journal today, “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest.“ Corrie Ten Boom
Todays reading was a good reminder for me – idols aren’t just golden calf statues, they can be social media, money, etc. I need to turn to God more than these things.
Do not be too busy to read the Bible. Remember what is most important in your life. Do not substitute money, material things or waste time on nonsense.
What am I idolizing? Myself? Things? My home? Does my life, my things or my home serve the Lord as it should/could??? Lord help me to focus on You and TRUST your waiting. Help me to be patient and avoid sin!!! Amen
I loved today’s message and the reminder that we can turn to Jesus at all times of the day. Isn’t it crazy how (at least for me) we do devotionals in the morning and for some reason feel we are done for the day. But I love the practical advice of “hey, at the end of the day instead of a video, turn to Jesus and see what he is revealing.”
Jesus let my heart always be drawn into You. Amen
How many times in my waiting to hear from God have I soothed my anxiety, or tried to find comfort (because I really love comfort)