This week's Bible study is adapted from the Bible Studies for Life curriculum.
Bible Passage: Deuteronomy 6:1-5a
Discussion Question: What are some idols that distract God's people today from loving God with all of their heart, soul and strength?
Food for Thought:
You may tell yourself that you don't have any idols, but are you sure? Think about it a little bit. Is money your idol? Is pride in your family your idol? Is it the need to be right or to have the last word? Idols are, in fact, all around us. We've made graven images of almost everything. We don't have to look any further than the evening television lineup.
In the winter of 2002, television audiences were introduced to a new reality show format with a panel of three judges who would soon become household names and a host who would go on to become one of the busiest men in Hollywood. Scores of viewers tuned in twice a week to hear Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson praise or berate contestants as Ryan Seacrest welcomed us all to "American Idol." In the decade since the show's debut, audiences have cheered, booed and voted by the millions for young people who have gone on to have lucrative careers in the entertainment industry.
Another primetime reality show abandons people on remote islands and instructs them to use their "Survivor" skills to avoid being kicked off the island. During their televised skills games, contestants may find a hidden idol which allows them to protect themselves or a team member from elimination. The single contestant left standing at the end of the 40-day event wins the prize.
The need for money or love for one's family aren't inherently bad things. We simply need to make sure that we don't make them more important than our love for the Lord. Instead of voting for specific people or cheering on stranded islanders, as Christians we should praise and worship the One who chose not to abandon us to this world but instead lowered Himself to this world, lived among us, died for us and rose from the dead so that we can live eternally with Him.
Bible Studies for Life is a life-stage family of resources that addresses key issues in the lives of adults and students. Consisting of seven curriculum lines developed for various life and generational stages plus two others designed for deeper study, these resources focus on the same Bible passage each week. Information about the seven curriculum lines and more information can be found on the Internet at LifeWay.com/BibleStudiesforLife.
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at www.LifeWay.com.
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