"The Deep Breath Before the Plunge" of 2021

Video from EgalmothOfGondolin01

"There never was much hope, just a fools hope." Gandalf

We enter another season, another year with very grime circumstances. 2021 may be worse in many ways than 2020. The death rate from Covid-19 is climbing, the economy is in shambles, we have a broken and divided political system and a populace that is equally divided. The cooperation needed between our fellow citizens is being resisted. Many have resorted to calling evil good and good evil. Conspiracy theories (which are lies portrayed as truth) are now widely believed by many citizens, by many Christians.

So we take a deep breath before the plunge.

Just as Sauron demanded people fall before him and worship we too are making choices even now who we will worship in the months to come.

What is an idol? Tim Keller gives us good definition:

"It is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything that you seek to give you what only God can give. . . . An idol is whatever you look at and say, in your heart of hearts, “If I have that, then I’ll feel my life has meaning, then I’ll know I have value, then I’ll feel significant and secure.”

Many people have chosen to worship men- politicians and are using Christ as a mascot. Many people worship the economy as the answer to our problems and the list goes on and on. The realization is, at least for me, is that we could not have continued like we were going. Our culture had reached a tipping point. Americas have become so apostate and sinful, evil even that God was overdue in his rebuke.

The drive for success in our culture is strong and recognition and power can quickly become idols. Before the pandemic we were always working and never resting and many people were burned out walking zombies. We’re called to work hard as exiles and as ones who do our work unto the Lord. So we work for God’s glory, not our own.

Recognize that in all the little decisions of your day, we often choose God-substitutes over God himself. For that, we deserve judgement and fiery torment.

There’s only one way to be saved from that fire. It’s by faith in the one who stood where we fall and died that we might live.

So in the months to come, be reflective and make repentance and prayer a regular part of your day. Through the Person of the Holy Spirit and Christ Jesus you will maintain clarity and proper service to him and those around you.