The Upward Look
© Copyright 2008, Max D. Hutto,

“Little children, guard yourselves from idols.”
   1 John 5:21 HCSB ©

In a surprising way, John ends this letter with a striking appeal. He again states his tender loving affection for the believers calling them his dear children and then adds a stern warning–keep away from false gods. The word “guard” has a sense of urgency like that of guarding a treasure from a thief or a flock of sheep from a wolf. The believer is to stay completely away from idols. In our day we find few people who bow down in front of a stone or wooden idol. However, this term “idols” refers to all false ideas about God as well as anything that takes the place of God in a person’s life which could include fame, fortune, power, and pleasure. The believer is to worship and serve the one true God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Lord Jesus, You are the Son of God and my Savior. Help me to place You first in all I do, so that I may honor and glorify You.

* (footnotes & credits)

NASB ©
The Bible quotes marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977,
by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA. (used with permission)

HCSB ©
The Bible quotes marked HCSB are from the Holman Christian Standard Bible,
© Copyright 2000 by Holman Bible Publishers (used with permission).

NIV ©
The Bible quotes marked NIV are from the New International Version,
© Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, by The International Bible Society. (used with permission)