The Gods You Don’t See Coming

"Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD." 
Joshua 24:14 (NIV)

What if the biggest threat to your family's faith isn't what you think it is? What if identifying and defeating the subtle competitors for your family's devotion could set them free to truly follow God?

The reality is that every person serves some god—whether the God of Scripture or gods of self or success. These aren't golden statues but they are subtle competitors for your family's devotion. Your family faces the challenge of respecting false gods and rejecting the true God. 

Think about it: What demands your family's time on Sunday mornings? What do you talk about most at dinner? Where does your money go first? What gets your best energy and attention? The answers to these questions reveal your true gods.

Joshua presented two clear options to the Israelites—ancient foreign gods or the God of Israel. There was no middle ground. Similarly, you must help your family recognize that every choice is ultimately a choice about whom to serve.

You can't lead your family to truly follow God until you identify and reject the competing gods that demand your family's devotion. This requires honest evaluation of your priorities, schedules, and conversations.

The gods of comfort, achievement, and approval are always recruiting. But only one God offers true life and lasting purpose.

Prayer: Lord, I praise You for showing us the way to live in Your Word. Open my eyes to see the false gods competing for my family's heart. Give me the courage to identify and reject anything that takes Your rightful place in our lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen.