"When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family.” (Matthew 10:21 MSG)
What is the difference between an idol and the living God?
It’s like the difference between being a spectator at a sporting event and being a participant. The latter requires so much more commitment and involvement. Most of us would rather have a comfortable faith that enables us to sit back, eat popcorn, and watch from the bleachers. We don’t want to exert ourselves, get sweaty, or get hurt.
An idol is an image molded from human ideas. It is visible, tangible, controllable, portable, and manageable. Our relationship with an idol is one-sided--we can talk at it, but it doesn’t talk back. It doesn’t have any expectations from us.
The living God is interactive. He wants us to participate. He cannot be molded to fit our ideas. He is unmanageable. He expects us to engage with Him, have a relationship with Him, yield to Him.
Lord, we are thankful that You desire to commune with us. Teach us how to stay engaged and connected with You at all times.
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