The final line from the first epistle of John, reminds his readers of the long history the Hebrew people have of falling away from God and into idol worship,¹ and urges them, in the gentlest of terms, to avoid the same fall. Of course, this is not only about literal idols, i.e. statues, models, images, etc. but also the false gods we so frequently turn towards, money, power, career, the idolisation of the rich and famous, or even our own spouse, parent, or best friend. We set people and ideas up as gods, and then feel let down when they do not (cannot) live up to such a role. It is so easy to fall away from the true path, so it is quite fitting that John ends his epistle with this note of caution. We'd do well to take note of it ourselves, today.

¹ e.g. Idolatry, Judges 9:4-5