ON THE VANGUARD

BUT IF FROM THERE...
"But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul."
Deuteronomy 4:29

I first found this verse when I was going through counseling for my pornography addiction. In the scriptures surrounding this verse, Moses is speaking concerning idolatry (Deut 4:15-31). Moses told the Israelites that later in life, when they were established and living in the Promised Land, that if they became corrupt and made idols that angered God, there was still an answer. The answer was if from there.
It is safe to say in my life that I made an idol out of women and sex. So when I read this verse for the first time years ago, I was instantly convicted. Here I was, a Christian by title, but not by lifestyle. I was just like the Israelites, living in the Promised Land but not serving the God who brought me there. With everyday that passed I dove deeper and deeper into my sin, and swore my allegiance daily to my idol.
"But if from there..." A great hope is in these words. God knows we are going to sin. It breaks His heart when we do, but He knows we are not perfect. Isn't that why He died for us? Because of His love He could not stand to see us going astray without hope. "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us..." I John 3:16. The words that Moses shared with all of the Israelites that day is still the same today. We are all sinners, BUT IF FROM THERE. We all have made something an idol in our life, BUT IF FROM THERE. We all have disobeyed, BUT IF FROM THERE. These words hold promise that we have been given a second chance.
For me, my BUT IF FROM THERE moment came when in reading these words. I was able to see my idol for what is was. My heart was broken and confession was made. The verse, however, continues with what we must do. "...you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul." I had to turn away from my idol and seek God; seek His ways with my heart and soul. I had to call to Him for His strength because daily that idol called back to me, inviting me to come back. I can honestly say it was not an easy fight. Some days were a step forward, and some days were a step back. Being involved in idol worship for so long does not always change over night. But I am happy to say today, that serving God is so rewarding. And I write to you as a man free from addiction and idolatry.
I am not sure what idols you are serving, but I know the way out. BUT IF FROM THERE... I challenge you to take inventory of your life. Are you serving an idol? God is a jealous God, and He will not settle for second place in our lives. Maybe like me, you eyes are opened with this passage and you are ready to move from there.