“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21 ESV)
Doctrine defines practice. The actions of every person on the face of the earth flow directly from what they believe. They may not always acknowledge the connection, but it is there, nonetheless. Unlike animals, human beings were created with the ability to think, reason, and worship, all of which dictate what we do with our eyes, arms, and legs.
Some say we are what we think about most. Others say we are what we worship. Both these ideas have an element of truth, and both point to the deeper reality that human actions follow human thinking.
In this last verse of John’s first epistle, he makes a statement that can seem out of place. Was he unsure how to end his letter? Was his final sentence the result of sloppy authorial practice? What does verse 21 have to do with everything that came before it? These questions are immediately answered if we grasp the principle stated in the verse preceding it. John is not confused; he is drawing a straight, bold line between knowing and doing.
He has just said we “know him who is true,” thus, his conclusion is essentially, “worship him who is true.” Matthew Henry helpfully expounds on this.
Since you know the true God and are in him, let your light and love guard you against all that is advanced in opposition to him, or competition with him. Flee from the false gods of the heathen world. They are not comparable to the God whose you are and whom you serve. Adore not your God by statues and images, which share in his worship. Your God is an incomprehensible Spirit, and is disgraced by such sordid representations. Hold no communion with your heathen neighbours in their idolatrous worship. Your God is jealous, and would have you come out, and be separated from among them; mortify the flesh, and be crucified to the world, that they may not usurp the throne of dominion in the heart, which is due only to God.
John’s pastoral heart is on full display here. He is not only concerned that his spiritual children know their Savior but also that their hearts are devoted to him. John knows that the Lord does not only require the minds of his people, or the obedience of his people, but the hearts of his people. That is the end for which we were created. Unbelievers can know the truth, and Pharisees can outwardly practice the truth, but only those who are in Christ can worship in truth (John 4:24).
John’s prohibition from idolatry is not a legalistic footnote to an otherwise spiritual letter. Rather, it is the necessary conclusion for a proper view of Christ, which John has spent five chapters explaining. You know Christ; now worship him.
This is a vital reminder for our gospel proclamation as well. All forms of evangelism that do not result in a direct call to worship the true God are false and eternally hazardous. Conversion does not simply mean turning from one form of behavior to a different form of behavior or replacing one body of knowledge with a different body of knowledge. Conversion means turning from worshiping the false gods of our former ignorance to worship the true God who has given us eyes to see. Missions is not about moral reform but about proclaiming the only One worthy of our worship.
As you strive to keep yourself from sin, make sure to keep yourself from idols. Worship drives everything else. Worship is the primary identity of a human being. Worship is eternally determinative.
God cares that we worship him, and as messengers of God, we must care that he is worshiped. Therefore, as John concludes, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
You demand our hearts. Please shape our worship to be pleasing to you and help us to cast away all idolatrous thoughts and practices, that you may be honored among your people.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Prayer Requests:
- Tuesday: Pray for missionaries serving in camp ministry with Goroka Baptist Bible College as they minister to approximately 500 teenagers each year.
- Wednesday: Pray for the Seigu Medical Clinic in Papua New Guinea as they share the gospel through prenatal care, general medical care, and counseling.
- Thursday: Pray for medical missionaries working with International Healthcare Ministries as they provide a lifeline to our missionaries serving around the world, mobilizing medical professionals for our hospitals and clinics, resourcing supplies, and providing administrative support for these vital ministries.
- Friday: Pray for missionaries serving with Kerusso Media as they provide free resources for local churches and a Bible institute in East Asia.
- Saturday: Pray for the Center for Youth Ministry in Ukraine as they equip youth leaders for effective ministry so that every leader is ready to overcome the challenges and obstacles serving today’s younger generations.
- Sunday: Pray for missionaries in the Mediterranean and Middle East to preach Christ boldly amid war, political tension, religious conflict, and societal turmoil.
- Monday: Pray for missionaries serving in women’s ministry as they lead Bible studies, disciple pastors’ wives, and empower at-risk women.
Featured Opportunity to Serve:
Experienced Counselors/Trainers
Location: Peru
Our team is looking for spiritually mature counselors experienced in crisis pregnancy situations and family counseling to train Peruvian staff members at a pro-life prenatal ministry.
