worshiping the giver

“They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen.” Romans 1:25

Worship:

1) to show reverence and adoration for God

2) to treat (someone or something) with the reverence and adoration appropriate to God

My Abba,

I usually think of this passage as referring to people who don't have a relationship with you, at all. But when I look at these two definitions, I see I may be looking too far from home. I can be guilty of worshiping created things instead of you, the Creator of all.

I show what I worship by the way I set my priorities. What takes precedence? What consumes my thoughts? To what do I give myself? For what, or whom, will I sacrifice?

At times, I allow people, possessions, accomplishments or entertainment to become my priority. I realize those priorities can be positive until they take precedence over you and consume my thoughts, time and energy. Then I give myself to them in a way that is inappropriate and depleting. Please forgive me.

When I elevate something, or someone, above you in my heart, I am engaging in false worship. But in that moment, I am deceived. I don't call it what it is. Please transform me.

I want your gifts to continually lead me to you, the Giver. I don't want to be like the spoiled child on Christmas who won't come to the dinner table to spend time with the family who gave her gifts, because she is obsessed with the new toys under the tree. Please set me free from the worship of anything, or anyone, else but you.

I love you,

Mollie

My child,

Your Christmas analogy is a good place to begin. Christmas is meant as a celebration of Christ. But it has been distorted. Instead of focusing on the greatest gift of all - Christ coming to mankind - the swapping of gifts between people is lifted up above this glorious reality.

The created is worshiped above the Creator. The gifts are center stage. The Giver is forgotten.

This is a good picture of the propensity of people to do this every day. Our enemy will attempt to cement your heart to any gift that distracts you from me. I want you to be more alert to this insidious strategy that can hijack your heart.

You were created to receive from me. I desire for you to be thankful for the gifts I give. But I want them to point you to me. Otherwise, the very gifts I give you will become idols - lifeless things that you have lifted above me in your heart.

We can enjoy the good things in your life together. I designed you for that pleasure. Stay close to me as you indulge in the lavish blessings I will share with you today. The gifts I give are displays of my splendor. I can show you the best ways to enjoy them – for your good and my glory.

I love you,

Abba

Photo: Gino Santa Maria