Idols taking over our lives

Idols are something that are on my heart frequently as we don't realize how much they are taking over our lives and how easily they do it. Satan is so deceptive and knows exactly how to trick us. Some people are more grace based and others are more legalistic. I don't know which one is better I think both have their positives and negatives. But I think those that are legalistic can be a lot better about saying no to sin and what is right and wrong. I think I myself need to get stronger in being legalistic. Satan knows exactly the things that can trick us and how to turn us away from God slowly. He doesn't necessarily do it all at once but over time hardens our hearts to God. There is so much evil in sin. Yesterday I realized how evil I really am and have not repented in some areas of my life and the damage it has caused. God knows what He is doing and He gives us certain commands for a reason. He may not give specifics but sin is sin. It is against God and that will never change. I have been thinking about it as if there is a god of money a god of sex or a god of alcohol. We have to hate sin so much to not want to do it no matter what it is. When we sin we are not acknowledging the great power of God and His glory. He doesn't deserve that. The other people that are affected by our sin in no way deserve it. 

I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. I gave an account of my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law. I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. (Psalm 119:25-30 NIV). We don't sin in a vacuum. It affects people and will catch up to us. 

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV).  

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. (James 4:17 NIV). 

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. (Isaiah 64:6 NIV). 

We need to call on the name of The Lord every single day. Not just once, not just before we die, but we need to every day. He is worthy of it. We are not worthy of Him. One choice of sin can cause so much damage. Our hearts need to be centered on God and the less we will be tempted. God is almighty!