Meet Laney Tate

How often I forfeit the grace that could be mine! When I think about idols, my first thoughts rush to images of gold statues, trophies, and good luck charms. When I think more deeply, however, and consider all the vain things that consume so much time, my list quickly convicts me of my worship of idols. Living in such a fast-paced culture does not help. Billboards line the highway, commercials flood the television, and advertisements consume the pages of a magazine. It doesn't stop just with marketing gimmicks.

Many of the idols in our culture are not as noticeable as golden statues, but are worthless nonetheless. Idols may be getting that promotion, success in sports, having the right wardrobe, driving the right car, sending children to the prominent school, being beautiful, winning the affection of friends, and the list keeps going from here. Which of these things can I take to heaven with me? Which of them will be packed in my coffin? Which of them have the power to give me grace? Which of them have the power to forgive me of my sins? The answer to all of these questions is "none."

Why does worship of idols forfeit the grace that could be mine? My thought is that when I give idols a higher place than I give the Lord, I rob myself of the joy and peace of trusting in Him to fulfill me. Even when I cling to these idols and have them all within my reach, the pleasure they bring is often so fleeting. I immediately start looking for the next idol in an endless rat race to see if I can win the competition to collect the most prizes. But when I worship the Lord, He fulfills even the deepest desires of my heart. The ultimate grace I receive is in the power of the Lord who forgives me of my sins because I have chosen to cling to Jesus as my savior and "idol" in life. I pray you, too, will idolize Jesus and cling to Him alone.