Starbucks, shoes, & sewer hookups (1 John)

November 8, 2010 mondayswithmaria
Tags: Bible, Christian Living, Christian Women, Maria Brown, Ministry, Missions, National Park Ministries, National Parks, RV Ministries, Women's Ministry

John warned, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21)  I’ve confessed before that I love Starbucks’ Java Chip Frappaccino Blended Coffee (nonfat milk and hold the whip but keep the mocha drizzle).  I’m due my 30-day chip, because I haven’t had one since we left Virginia, but I once went 5 times in one week…okay, okay, more than once I went 5 times in one week.  (I’ve been twice in one day before, too.)  Shoes, another of my lovers, have also seen dramatic cuts.  I currently own 10 pairs (and 3 pairs of flip-flops, but do they really count as shoes?!?!).  It took some effort to convince Edward that the 4-inch fuchsia-colored high heels were necessary (“Honey, they are church shoes.  I need them!”).   Now, more than Starbucks and shoes, I desire sewer hookups!  LOL…nothing warms my heart like driving past the dump station and hooking up the RV directly to the sewer.  It means unlimited clothes washing, showers, and dish washing.  There is another benefit, but I’ll leave that one to your imagination.

Why does John warn us about idols?

“For all that is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions – is not from the Father but is from the world.” (1 John 2:16)  Why is it such a big deal if things are from the world?  “The whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” (v. 5:19b)  Satan will use idols, desires, and possessions against us.  He can distract us from practicing our faith, serving God and others, and reaching the saved.  As Christians, Satan has lost the battle for our souls, so his primary objective with us is to render us ineffective and powerless for the Kingdom of God. 

Does this mean that we can’t enjoy the pleasures of this world?  Absolutely not!  Next time I’m wearing my 4-inch fuchsia heels holding my Starbucks’ frappaccino, I will be sure to shout a “hallelujah” and “praise and glory to be God” as I connect our RV to sewer hook-ups!!

My prayer today:

Lord, thank you for all that you’ve given me from basic living needs to the luxury items like coffee and shoes.  More importantly, Lord, thank you for blessing me with a wonderful family, group of friends, and home church.  Thank you for saving Edward’s life.  Thank you for the beautiful countryside!  Help me to keep my possessions in the appropriate context.  Just stuff.  Keep me focused, Lord, on You.  Forgive me for displacing my priorities sometimes.  Amen

Entry Filed under: Blessings,Christian living,Self-centeredness

Trackback this post  |  Subscribe to comments via RSS Feed