What happens when we want a good thing too much

At the end of July I had the opportunity to go to Northland for a week of music camp. I think it is impossible for a Christian to walk away from a week at Northland having not learned more about the Gospel and having been convicted of sin. The entire week we campers heard so many excellent sermons but there was one sermon that spoke to me the most. The speaker was preaching about how we can have idols in our lives and not be aware of it. He said something like this:

"If you love something you will want to pursue it, you will think about it, you will talk about it and it will consume you."

He went on to say that if you think about and value anything above God it has become an idol in your life. That hit me hard because I could think about things in my life that were more important. You can try to justify your craving for sports, music, friendship and fame but you cannot justify it because it does not stand equal with the value of the Cross. I thought about what I wanted and I saw that above all those things was Christ-and he matters more.

When we want a good thing, whether it be money, musical genius, athletic talent or fame; if we desire any of those things more than we desire God we have become idolaters. The Lord has given each one of his Children talents but that does not give us an excuse to tell God "Thanks" and walk out the door as we set of to fulfill what we want for ourselves.

We owe Christ everything. We owe him our love, our devotion, our admiration and our worship. What do you love? What consumes you? What are you pursuing? The verse that we faithfully recited before meals at camp rings in my mind-calling me to chase after things that are of value in the eyes of our King.

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

Lay aside whatever is standing between you and a complete love for Jesus Christ and make Christ the ultimate object of your worship for he alone is worthy of it. May we be only consumed by Christ.