John ends his letter strangely: “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5 v 21)
We live in a rising idolatrous society where the orthodox Jesus is being replaced with a Jesus of convenience. If we keep Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, if Jesus Christ is the Son of God, then the sinner has a problem, the unloving have a problem.
Idols don’t replace God, they just replace His presence. From ancient times people have tried to use idols to get to God but they cannot.
The reason why people chase idols is because they need to personally experience the divine.
Today Christians carry wounds and many are battered from this life. They will come to Church this weekend carrying their hurt. In their desperation it is very easy to try and take short cuts to God.
John has been loud and clear throughout this letter. His gospel is the presence of Christ found in the love for the other believers. Anything less is not the Church. And as he closes this letter he lovingly calls the Church to keep themselves from anything that is not this gospel.
Keep yourself from distraction. Don’t give your time and energy to squabbles. Stop being unkind and unloving. Whatever you carry is your idol. Carry Jesus and love for others that is the only way. If you don’t then you will be following an idol.
Friends we come to the end of 1 John and I am going to take a 40 day break from posting. I will be seeking and writing without publishing. Thank you for regularly reading it makes publishing worthwhile. Please pray for me during this 40 days. See you around Easter time!
Missions Paul 
Stay strong and keep well as we keep you in prayer
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