God gave us specific instructions concerning our relationship to him in Exodus 20:3-6, and being careful about allowing idolatry in our lives.
Israel’s failure is on nearly every page in the Old Testament. She continually rebelled and worshiped other gods. Judges 2:12-13, 1 Kings 11:1-12, 1 Kings 16 – 22. All of the prophets wrote about Israel’s idolatry.
Satan has been so subtle (Genesis 3:1), that he has camouflaged the BMR in out cultural desires and cravings. We saw in Matthew 13:22, that the care of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word in the life of a believer, so that he cannot bear any fruit in his life. We saw the example of Lot in 2 Peter 2:6-9, and how his “righteous soul was vexed from day to day, with their unlawful deeds.” This is a picture of the last days of the church age — Revelation 3:14-20.
1 Timothy 6:1-12 is a great warning to us all. Please read v.6-12 — But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Please forgive my blatant self-evaluation. Remember, it is always the attitude of the heart, and the motive behind everything we do, that we will be judged for when we stand and give account of ourselves at the Bema Judgment aka the judgment seat of Christ. Will I have gold, silver, and precious stones of eternal reward, to present to my Lord and Savior, or will I have a big pile of wood, hay, and stubble of temporal self-centered worship and service, to be burned up?