My opening illustration this morning was taken from Dr. James Dobson's book, Hide or Seek. Since my children were small the book has been revised and reprinted. I highly recommend anything Dr. Dobson has written on child rearing.One point that I decided not to make it my sermon (I may later in the series) has to do with the last verse of 1 John, "Dear children, keep yourselves from idols" (5:21). At first glance it appears to be out of place; as though as he finished his letter John added an addendum. Upon reflection, however, it becomes obvious that this has been his warning throughout the letter. Jesus, eternal life in the flesh, has appeared. Everything else that promises life is an impostor or, to use the phrase most common in John's day, an idol. We are to keep ourselves from thinking and acting as though beauty, intelligence, money, athletic ability or anything else can give us life. "God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son." (1 John 5:11)
