It was Moses' complaint respecting the people of Israel in the wilderness, that they provoked Him (i.e., God), by strange gods. We are not likely to fall into this sin, nor that of the ancient Heathen who changed the glory of the incorruptible God, into the likeness of the image of a corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. But most of us are ready to set up an idol in our hearts; some sin, or wrong temper, or worldly attachment. We must watch carefully, and pray perseveringly against this idolatry. Our God is a jealous God. He demands from us our whole hearts. Jesus came from Heaven to get them for God, and he observes us daily, hourly, and closely, to see how it is with us, His professing people. It is a chief design of Redemption as regards us. Christ honoured his Father, and would have us honour Him according to His own requirements. Try then to keep in mind, in all the circumstances of this day on which you now enter, in its duties, trials, and intercourse with others, that you are the creatures and servants of the Most High, true, and Holy God. Think well on what a great and awful Being He is, and render Him a loving, faithful, conscientious service. Walk by faith, and He will be faithful to all his promises to you. Love Him, and you will be loved by Him. Be careful not to let any wrong affection, or care, or pursuit have that place in your heart which God claims when he says, Thou shalt not have strange gods before me. Little children, writes Saint John, keep yourselves from idols. Our idols are set up within our souls.
- text taken from Daily Bread - Bring a Few Morning Meditations for the Use of Catholic Christians by Father Richard Waldo Sibthorp