Happy New Year! Leave Your Idols.

The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.” – Genesis 12:1

God had a wonderful plan for Abram. The plan included fame, untold blessings, and limitless influence. Have you ever wondered why God chose Abram for a plan that spans all cultures and generations? Was it because Abram was naturally inclined toward worshiping God? Hardly! Abram was from Haran, a city known for idol-worship. It is, therefore, safe to assume that Abram was an idol-worshiper himself when he first encountered God. However, God’s invitation to Abram was also an invitation to leave his idols.

In order to fulfill God’s plan and to receive God’s promises, Abram had to learn to fully depend on God alone. He had to be called away from every potential idol in his life. He had to choose God as the sole object of his worship. Abram’s first lesson in trusting only in God was the command to leave his comfort zone and go into the unknown. How did Abram respond? Genesis 12:4 shows Abram doing exactly what God instructed. He left his native country, his relatives, and his idols.

In 2005, it became clear to me and my wife that God wanted us to serve as Bible translation advocates. However, I declined the invitation of Wycliffe Global Alliance because I was told that I needed to raise funds for the needs of my family. I was not willing to do that… until one day, the Lord spoke to my heart saying, “Lloyd, why are you making money a factor in your relationship with me?” I am grateful for God’s mercy. I almost missed the opportunity of being on mission with God.

God continues to call people to a relationship with him. He also invites people to be on mission with him. To accept God’s invitation, we need to admit our dependency on him, something that an idolatrous heart does not want to admit. Follow the example of Abram: leave your idols and trust in God alone.

Examine my heart, O God. Show me any idols in my life that I have allowed to interfere in my relationship with you. I desire to worship you alone. I recognize that you desire servants who are fully devoted to you.