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Did you ever hear about the calf named Goliath that was rescued from a farm? It became pals with a fully grown great dane. Sounds sweet. 
 
Only problem was as time passed, Goliath the cow began to believe she was a dog. 
 
She even began lumbering her way up onto the couch to curl up... just like the dog. 
 
Goliath gave her attention and affection to the dog to the point that she began to believe she was one too. 
 
Psalm 115 includes some interesting observations about idolatry. After noting that the idols of the day seem to have mouths but can't speak, have eyes but cannot see, have hands and feet but no ability to feel or walk, the psalmist concludes in verse 8:
 
"Those who make them will be like them, so will all who trust in them"
 
Hmm. Interesting. We become like what we worship. 
 
So, this presents an important question for us each to ask ourselves: What (or who) am I becoming like? 
 
I enjoy fly fishing. A lot. I think of it often. But, if I set too much of my attention and affection on fishing, it will begin to change me. I would begin to reflect a worship of fishing more than Jesus. 
 
There are all kinds of things that compete for our attention and affection. Some good, some not good at all. Each with the potential to become an ideal. Each with the potential to shape who we are becoming. 
 
We can become known more for our love of marriage or family, than our love of Jesus.
 
We can become known more for our interest in politics or our career or business, than for our love of Jesus. 
 
We can become known for our enjoyment of sports, or money, or learning, or sex, or substances, (or...?) than our love of Jesus. 
 
Later in the book of Psalms, David describes God:
 
"The Lord is gracious and compassionate, 
slow to anger and rich in love.
The Lord is good to all; He has compassion
on all He has made."
Psalm 145.8-9 
 
Contrast this God with the gods of the ancient near east! (not gracious, not compassionate, not slow to anger or rich in love...). He is greater! 
 
Contrast this God with what you'd become if you were given over totally to another love, interest, or passion in this life. Any priority --no matter how 'good' it may seem-- that is not Jesus, will begin to control you and shape you into its' image. Jesus is greater! 
 
What would others who see your life regularly say your life is becoming more and more like? It's worth pondering. 
 
How does a cow end up on a couch? By thinking it's become a dog. 
 
How would any of us end up in idolatry? By not ensuring our attention and affections are fixed upon Jesus. 
 
What are a few things in your life it might be good for you to lift your eyes from this week in order to have Jesus in the right place?
 
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith!" 
Hebrews 12.2
 
Woof + Moo!


Pastor Mike