As we come to the end of the book of Judges, one sentence echoes throughout: “Again the Israelites did what was evil in the eyes of the LORD”. This refrain is more than a record of sin; it is a diagnosis of disordered love. God’s people pursued what was pleasing in their own eyes rather than what was pleasing to God. This results in conflict, compromise, and repeated cycles of sin and suffering. Yet this is not just Israel’s story; it is our story too.
Whether we realise it or not, we are always chasing something. We chase what we love, and what we love shapes the way we live. Sometimes our loves are obvious, like wealth or success. Other times, they are more subtle, like approval or comfort. The danger comes when the good gifts God gives us quietly take the place of God himself. When created things are loved more than the Creator, Scripture calls this idolatry.
An idol is anything we look to for ultimate satisfaction apart from God. It could be our work, relationships, or even our own self-reliance. These loves influence the decisions we make, the priorities we set, and even the way we practice our faith. When we hide sin rather than confess it, we may love our reputation more than God’s forgiveness. When we cling to relationships that harm us, we may love comfort more than holiness. When work consumes our lives, we may love success more than family, community, or obedience to God. These are signs that something in our hearts is out of order.
what we love shapes the way we live
So how do we begin to reorder our loves?
Firstly, examine our hearts. It’s worth paying attention to what consistently claims our time, energy, and thoughts. Notice what stirs anxiety, anger, or fear within you. These responses often uncover what we are truly living for.
Secondly, let Scripture shape our hearts. The Bible does more than correct our behaviour; it reshapes our desires. As we read God’s Word, the Holy Spirit teaches our hearts to love what God loves.
Thirdly, fix our eyes on Jesus. As we behold the beauty of who he is and the glory of what he has done for us, our hearts are captivated by a deeper love, and lesser loves begin to loosen their hold.
Fourthly, invite accountability. God never intends us to reorder our loves alone. Faithful Christian friends can help us see what we overlook, ask the hard questions we might avoid, and gently point us back to God when our hearts drift.
The good news of the gospel is that Jesus doesn’t merely expose our idols; he offers himself in their place. Reordering our loves is not a one-time moment but a lifelong work of sanctification.
As we look towards Lent, a season of repentance and reflection, we are invited to ask an honest question: What are you chasing? May this be a time to confess disordered loves, return our hearts to God, and learn again to chase the One who alone satisfies.
