How can we apply the call to "turn from worthless things" in daily life? Setting the Context “Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them.” – Acts 14:15 Paul and Barnabas urge their listeners to abandon “worthless things” (lit. empty, futile idols) and embrace the living God. The call is timeless: whatever draws our devotion away from Christ must be renounced. Recognizing Worthless Things Today • Material excess: piling up possessions that promise security but never satisfy (Luke 12:15). • Digital domination: endless scrolling, gaming, or streaming that dulls spiritual hunger (Ephesians 5:15-16). • Achievement idolatry: careers, grades, or ministries pursued for self-glory (Jeremiah 9:23-24). • Sinful pleasures: pornography, substance abuse, gossip, greed—anything Scripture forbids (Galatians 5:19-21). • Empty religion: outward forms minus heartfelt obedience (Isaiah 29:13; 2 Timothy 3:5). Practical Steps to Turn Away 1. Examine: invite the Spirit to spotlight rivals to Christ (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Confess: agree with God about the emptiness and repent (1 John 1:9). 3. Remove: delete apps, cancel subscriptions, clear closets—concrete action shows sincerity (Matthew 5:29-30). 4. Replace: fill the vacuum with what feeds the soul (Colossians 3:2; Philippians 4:8). 5. Account: share struggles with a mature believer for prayer and follow-up (James 5:16). 6. Repeat: idols creep back; keep short accounts with God (1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 John 5:21). Replacing Worthless Things with What Lasts • Daily Scripture intake (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:105). • Persistent prayer and praise (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). • Regular fellowship and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Active service—using gifts for others, not self (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Mission mindset—sharing the gospel, giving generously (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Corinthians 9:7-8). Encouragement from Related Scriptures • “Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit or deliver.” – 1 Samuel 12:21 • “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; revive me in Your way.” – Psalm 119:37 • “Those who cling to worthless idols forsake His loving devotion.” – Jonah 2:8 • “The world is passing away with its desires, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” – 1 John 2:17 Turning from worthless things is not loss but gain. By forsaking what is empty, we make room for the joy, freedom, and purpose found only in the living God. |
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