10/16/2025
Don’t Trade Grace for Dust
Jonah.2.8 – Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
Grace is God’s undeserved favor, a gift that makes life meaningful. Yet, many unknowingly exchange it for things that cannot last. In Jonah’s day, idols were visible. In ours, they are subtle – wealth, influence, power, or even people we’ve elevated above God. Each time we cling to them, we turn our backs on the grace that could heal, guide, and preserve us.
In Matthew 6:24, Jesus made it clear: “No one can serve two masters.” We either serve God or the things that subtly demand our worship. For the modern believer, these idols may come disguised as success, social media approval, or even religious pride. Yet, every time we bow to them, we trade the eternal for the temporary, grace for gravel.
Think of a young Nigerian lady who spends every moment scrolling through social media, comparing her life to others. She begins to crave validation more than God’s voice. Slowly, her joy fades. When she finally pauses to pray, she feels empty not because God left, but because her heart was too crowded for Him to dwell fully.
God’s grace is always available, but it cannot coexist with divided loyalty. When we empty our hands of idols, we create space for grace to fill us, peace that surpasses understanding, strength in trials, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Idols always promise satisfaction, but they never deliver. They take your attention, your peace, and your strength, yet leave you thirstier than before. Grace, on the other hand, fills and refreshes. The moment you loosen your grip on false gods, God’s hand of mercy finds yours again.
Beloved, the call is simple yet urgent: release your idols before they rob you of the grace meant to sustain you. Don’t let what you cling to cause you to miss what God wants to give you.
As the Yoruba proverb says, “Eni tí ó bá fi ọwọ́ méjì mú ìdí, kò níí lè gbé ohun míràn mọ́” – He who clings with both hands cannot receive anything new. Let go, and let grace flow.