How many of us have that go-to item we highly regard? How many of us have that jersey we must wear for our favorite sports team games? A pair of lucky socks that will make the day better? A specific tie for any job interview or presentation? While we might view these items with the highest regard, they will not accomplish what we think they will. No matter how much we believe our lucky jersey will help the team’s chances to win, it will not impact the game. If it did, the team would not practice leading up to the game. Those lucky socks will not make a difference in the type of day we will have. If all we needed for that job interview or presentation was that lucky tie, why would there be any need to prepare?

The purpose of stating the above is not to ruin items we hold dearly. The objective is to remind us to avoid creating false idols with simple everyday objects. While it can be easy to make false idols with people, it can be just as easy, if not easier, to do the same with items we possess. Rather than put our faith in things that will not make a difference, we need to exert that focus in a different direction. We need to have faith in God. In other words, we need confidence, knowing God will provide for us. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

While God will provide what we need, it is up to us to hold up our end. We need to go out and make things happen. Go out and spread God’s Word. Show God’s love to others. Be the people God calls for us to become. James 2:26 says, “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”

As I previously stated, those go-to items will not determine desired outcomes. Our faith in God and our response to situations life throws our way will make the difference.