“Who Am I,” by Casting Crowns
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: Col 3:5-6 (KJV)
The Bible has many lists! So many evil elements, thoughts and habits to be avoided. Rather than be confused by the lists, it is helpful to step back and see what they all have in common. One of the things the elements in the list above contains is the importance of being self contained and centered. That which is ours is ours, and we are to be content with the things that we have. We are not to long for what we do not have, nor should we ever cast an envious eye on anything that belongs to someone else. We are not to exceedingly desire, nor are we to stimulate excessive desires for anything. Excessive stimulation is the slippery slope that leads to actions to possess such as theft, fornication, avarice and greed.
The Lord created the human heart and mind as places of worship. The original purpose of the human soul is to worship God. Anything that is loved exceedingly within the heart/ mind is worshiped. The only exceedingly great love of our lives should be the Lord. So when we lust after things or people, we have made them our God. If this sounds harsh, take a look at verse 5 which summarizes the list of forbidden things by saying “which is idolatry.” They are idolatrous acts to be avoided. So what are the actual idols associated with fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness? The list of idols from the verse for today’s devotional is:
In fornication, sex (outside of marriage, including adultery and incest) is the idol.
In uncleanness, personal and moral disorder and filth are the idols.
In inordinate affection passion is the idol.
In evil concupiscence, depraved longing is the idol.
In covetousness, fraudulent practices, avarice and greed are the idols.
In the Old Testament we see the term “high places” referred to often. The high places were where idol worship took place. Wicked rulers established the high places and godly rulers tore them down. The mind and heart are the high places of the human soul. Col 3:5-6 gives a list of some of the things people have chosen to occupy the high places of worship in their hearts and minds. Whatever we look up to, fixate on, long for or desire exceedingly has been set up in the high places. They occupy the throne room, or Holy of Holies, instead of God. Just in case you are reluctant to think this is wrong, remember: who was the first to covet the throne of God? Satan. Every time we allow anything to occupy the space that only God should occupy in our minds, hearts and lives, then we are repeating this act of rebellion. So tear down the false high places, and allow God to rule in your life. You will not regret it.
