Challenge

Tonight we were issued a challenge: Make the sacrifices necessary to go deeper with God so that we will see His promises fulfilled in our own lives and in the youth group. As I was reflecting back on tonight's service, it really got me thinking about what we make sacrifices for. I am reading a book right now by Kelly Minter called No Other Gods. In the book, she talks about how an idol is anything that you make sacrifices to/for, something that controls your life or determines your decisions. By that definition, idolatry can be anything that becomes more important in our life than God. I believe that it also means that worship requires sacrifice, whether it is to a false god or to the True God. We can choose to sacrifice our emotions and purity in a bad relationship, or our time to an unhealthy hobby. Sometimes the object of our worship isn't even a sinful thing, but if it becomes more important in our lives than God, it has just moved into idolatry. Friends, God is the only source of life. He is the only thing that will bring true fulfillment and satisfaction. If we are to worship Him, we will be required to make sacrifices. It may cost us relationships or popularity. We may have to fast some meals or miss hanging out on the weekends so that we can spend time in prayer, but the rewards are worth it. Any other god that we sacrifice to will leave us empty and broken, but our God gives life and joy and eternity in heaven. Tomorrow you will all be going back to school. Know that all of the staff will be praying for you. I hope have a great week.