WEEKLY REFLECTION by Pastor Lap Dinh on 1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬-‭16‬

“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise people; you then, judge what I say. Is the cup of blessing which we bless not a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is the bread which we break not a sharing in the body of Christ?”‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭NASB2020‬

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Why flee from idolatry? Because it’s cunningly deceptive in its nature. Idolatry is subtle. It is “crouching” at one’s door and “chasing” one’s life on a daily basis. Almost all sins can in some way be traced back to idolatry. Here are some examples:

(1) Sacrificing family, integrity, or spiritual health just to climb the ladder.

(2) Obsessively chasing more possessions, investments, or status symbols.

(3) Scrolling for hours, shaping your identity by likes and followers.

(4) Compromising faith or values to keep a relationship.

(5) “My truth, my choice, my way” becomes the creed of life.

(6) Equating loyalty to a nation or party with loyalty to God.

(7) Endless streaming, gaming, or luxury pursuits dulling the hunger for God.

(8) Going through the motions of communion without truly sharing in His body and blood.

Foolish people who set aside God’s instructions are somewhat idolatrous in their heart and mind. They forget that the cup of blessing which they bless is a sharing in the blood of Christ, and the bread which they break is a sharing in the body of Christ. The price of being foolish is costly and destructive. Wise, redeemed, regenerated, or born-again Christians should monitor their heart and mind closely to detect any idolatrous tendency. Once found, repent, turn away from it, and turn back to Jesus.

May our church be wise and flee from idolatry every hour and every day.

Amen.