A Perpetual Invitation
Every time I reread this passage, it’s the commandment on idol worship that plagues my brain. Maybe it’s because some of the other commands seem easier to follow and this one seems impossibly difficult. Maybe it’s because I memorized a ten commandment song as a kid (this one if you’re interested) in church and the phrase “graven image” seemed especially sinful to me. Maybe it’s because idol worship is a big hurdle in this Jesus way of living.
I’m so easily wooed by new, shiny things that distract me from God, things that fill my time, things that change me and mould me—things that are perhaps not a big deal on their own but eventually, when added up, I notice they’ve blocked me from following Jesus with my whole heart, mind, soul, and body. Each idol requiring me to bow down to someone or something other than the Redeemer of the universe. And these idols are big and small, ranging from a goofy video game called Airlines Manager Tycoon (that has consumed my free time) to a gargantuan one, achievement (which perhaps is part of an early mid-life crisis).
Saying my idols out loud is almost embarrassing, because I can picture Jesus’ face responding to this confession with a look of deep love but also, “really Daniel, that’s what has your attention?”
Perhaps at this point, I should know better, but then he gets up and motions for me to follow him, which requires me to leave those idols behind—a perpetual invitation rooted in unfathomable grace.
Admitting what has our attention, what John Wesley describes as “any thing or priority to which one's heart is given rather than to God” is crucial in our Christian formation.
So what has your attention? Confess that to Jesus and invite him to respond.
Almighty and eternal God,
so draw my heart to you,
so guide my mind,
so fill my imagination,
so control my will,
that I maty be wholly yours,
utterly devoted to you.
Then use me, I pray,
as you will,
always to your glory
and for the welfare of your people,
though our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ,
Amen.
(A Liturgy for the Increase of Devotion from Every Moment Holy, Volume III)
Daniel Martin