Guard against idols

1 John 5:21 says, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” This is John’s last word to the church, his take-home point, and the summation of his message. You can imagine his voice, rich with years and full of love at this point, as he addresses his little children. “If you remember anything I’m saying, remember this last bit, its important: Guard yourself against idols.”

The Greek here is better rendered “guard” than “keep”, and it gives us an insight into the relationship we have with idolatry. We are constantly under the temptation to worship created things. We find ourselves even more vulnerable when we believe that idolatry only happens in the Old Testament. We worship idols when we replace the creator God with a created “god.”

Many good gifts from God can become idols over time. The career that was an answer to prayer may become the “god” of provision. The spouse prayed for since childhood may become the “god” of love, even the flag of the homeland can become the “god” of protection. All of these good things that we try to make “god” things will fail us, and what we once revered we will revile. Prayerfully considering what good things we have allowed to become “god” things is no small task. We fight to protect our idols, worried that the needs we perceive them as fulfilling will go unmet.

John’s warning to us is as powerful today as it was when written, “Little children, guard yourselves from idols.”

Ask God to show you places where you’ve made good things “god” things.


1 John 5:21