“They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.” (NIV)‬‬

It’s easy to get caught up in our daily routines and focus on earthly things rather than building God's Kingdom, getting caught up in temporary things instead of eternal ones. That is exactly what the people of Rome were struggling with at the time of Paul’s writings to them, too. In this letter, Paul doesn’t just call out their downfalls and mistakes leading them away from God, he addresses their heart posture. Paul explains that humanity has a tendency to turn away from God’s truth in favor of self-seeking desires. Though the truth about God is clear, people choose to suppress it and  worship created things instead of the Creator himself, trading the truth about God for a lie.

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Paul’s warning isn’t limited to ancient Rome. It’s still deeply relevant to us today. We need to recognize what we are seeking truth and fulfillment from and refocus our sights back onto the truth of God.

I’m about to graduate from high school and step into the next chapter of my life. I’m very excited for what my future holds, but I am consistently finding myself worried about my self-interests, such as spending time with friends, checking off things on my bucket list, and working to save for college. I must keep myself in check and constantly remind myself that everything I have is God’s. Instead of idolizing my social life and dedicating all of my focus to my financial situation and academics, I need to make sure I am focusing on the most important relationship in my life. Especially in this season, it is vital that I keep my focus on my Creator, and not the things of this world.

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We may not bow down to statues, but there are many earthly things that are easy to dwell on and take up time like careers, relationships, and entertainment. Ask yourself,  

• What do you find yourself focusing most of your time on?  

• What are you fulfilled by?  

• What do you find yourself occupied with?

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Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” What would you say your “treasure” is, and is that where you want your heart to be resting? The truth is that God is the only One who satisfies. Nothing else can compare to the true greatness of his love, and anything we seek outside of him will lead to disappointment. Talk to God this week and ask him to help you re-center your worship and keep your eyes fixed on him instead of other distractions.

Father, I confess that at times I have allowed created things to take your place in my heart. I’ve chased idols and superficial distractions more than I have chased you. Help me to see clearly the areas in my life where I’ve exchanged your truth for a lie. Redirect my heart back to you. Teach me to worship the Creator, not the creation. Thank you for your patience, mercy, and unchanging truth. Amen.