We need to know “how to hide” (God’s Word in our hearts) because we become like what we worship

This morning is Super AWANA Sunday at the Red Brick Church.  The title of the message is, “How to Hide.”  The goal is to explain why Scripture memory is such an important part of our children’s curriculum, and to challenge our people to hide God’s Word in their hearts.

One of the reason we need to know how to hide is because we become like what we worship.  Below is a post repeated from a few months ago that was also a radio spot.

When I was growing up, we didn’t have a broad range of sports in Southeast Iowa. We played football in the fall and basketball in the winter. The rest of the year was baseball.

We loved major league baseball players. Consciously and unconsciously we picked up the habits of our favorite players. Some of us twirled our bats like Willie Stargell. Others turned towards second base before pitching, like Boston Red Sox pitcher Luis Tiant. One of my friends pumped his back elbow when he was at the plate, just like the great Cincinnati Red, Joe Morgan.

Here’s what is interesting. When my friends and I imitated big leaguers we were demonstrating a basic theological principle. We become like what we worship. When fix our eyes on what we love, our hearts are warm and pliable. Consciously and unconsciously we begin to take on the shape of what we revere.

This is what Paul explained in 2 Corinthians 3:18a.

“. . . And we all . . . beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. . . .”

As we look lovingly at Christ, we become like Him.

So, here is what you do. Make the Lord Jesus Christ your hero. Gaze at him intensely. Savor his beauty and loveliness. Hear His Word preached, and soak your minds in Scripture. Warm your heart to the beauty of Jesus and you will be transformed into his image, from one degree of glory to another.