Designer Idols – Day 11

Diana

“But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who do not know that the city of Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus?” Acts 19:34-35 NKJV

The temple built to honour the goddess Diana is known as one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. It was magnificent. Worshipped as the moon goddess and mother of all living things, of both mankind and nature. Annually a festival was held in her honour to celebrate her birthday in which the whole city participated in drunkenness and immorality. A big party day! No wonder they protected her so fiercely.

Like the Israelites had done before them, the Ephesians also turned their backs on the Lord to stubbornly practice these pagan customs following this false goddess down a path of destruction.

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.” Ephesians 5:2-3 NLT

Paul specifically warned Ephesus against immorality amongst other sins trailing along with Diana. I believe this is the biggest guard we can guard our hearts against because in our twisted sexual aware culture it’s easy to look for satisfaction to fill the emptiness inside you. Instead of looking to Jesus to fill the emptiness in our souls, the more we fill ourselves with the distorted desires of the enemy. Leaving us to feel emptier. Satan’s temptation drains life. God’s provision sustains life.

Prayer: Father, we come before Your throne today and ask that You will fill us with the love of Christ to eliminate the emptiness we feel. Father, please forgive my immoral thoughts and actions and teach me Holy Spirit to guard my heart against it. Amen.