Faithfulness

The Old Testament book of Jeremiah uses metaphors to compare Israel to an unfaithful wife.  She was unfaithful to God by worshipping idols and forsaking Him.  And “…her treacherous sister Judah [had] not turned to [God] with her whole heart, but in pretense” (3:10 NKJ).  This book of Jeremiah is surely only Jewish history and has no relevance to me, right?  I certainly haven’t seen anyone setting up and worshipping idols, have you?  Nor could I find a listing for idol shops in the yellow pages.

But if the Bible can speak to us in metaphors—Israel compared to an unfaithful wife and her sister Judah not loving whole-heartedly—can’t we also think in metaphors?

Are there ways that we, today, like Israel and Judah in Old Testament times, forsake God, merely pretend to love Him, or are unfaithful to Him?

If I spend my time in busyness—work, recreation, sports, hobbies, family and home responsibilities—but take no time to read God’s holy word, to listen to Him or talk to Him (other than a quick “Thank You for the food”), am I guilty of forsaking God?

If I come to church every Sunday but spend my time while there thinking about what I’m going to do after church, or worrying about dinner burning or missing the kickoff, am I loving Him with my whole heart?

If I spend my money fixing up my house, buying a new car, or taking a vacation, but have little left to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, or support God’s work through missionaries or the work of my church, am I being unfaithful to God?

Do all the things that I spend my time, money and thoughts on become idols that I worship instead of worshipping the most-high God?

God of all creation, may I not idolize the things of the world, but instead use my time, talent, and money in Your service and for Your glory. 

Jeremiah 3:20 “’But like a woman unfaithful to her husband, so you have been unfaithful to me, O house of Israel,’ declares the Lord.”