Anything and Everything

So, little children, guard yourselves from worshiping anything but Him. 

1st John 5:21 TPT

We live in a society of opinions and influencers and haters and idols and selfies and binge-watching and then wonder why we can't hear from Heaven. Little children (believers, dear ones), guard yourselves from idols—[false teachings, moral compromises, and anything that would take God’s place in your heart].
1st John 5:21 The Amplified Bible

They say we've earned the right to serve our own needs first, that we should provide for our four and no more, to basically hoard instead of share under the guise and lies of keeping ourselves safe. Dear children, be on guard against all clever facsimiles. 1st John 5:21 The Message. Romans 12:2 in The Passion Translation tells us to Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.

God's Word tells us we are to serve OTHERS, that if we see someone with a need we should meet it, that we are to love as He loved and lay down our lives for others just as He did for us all. The New Living Translation writes our promise for today this way, Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts. 

Prayer:

Father,

           Help us to guard our hearts and minds against everything that the world throws at us. According to Your Word in Ephesians 6, we will actively put on our armor to fight against all the wiles of the enemy of our souls. We submit ourselves to You. Open our eyes to see anything and everything that would seek to take Your place in our hearts. Root out those things that should have no place in us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen