What Is Your Idol?
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“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” 1 Corinthians 10:14
It is a word we hear often … in athletics, entertainment and there is even a television show dedicated to it. I refer to the word “idol.” The dictionary defines it as an image used as an object of worship, a false god, or one that is adored, often blindly or excessively.
Any object that becomes a focus of our lives can become our idol. Some things we may think are spiritually neutral really are not. Even things morally neutral, like our career, a sport or any passion other than for God can be our idol. Anything can become demonic when it gains first place in our life.
What is gaining first place in your life? If it is anything other than Jesus then you need to run from it, for it can lead you into dangerous territory. We are a fool to play with temptation, as none of us are strong enough to overcome sin on our own.
God wants to be first place in my life and that requires me to not let anything, even though good in its own right, to get between God and me. How serious are we to make God first? Are we willing to lay down our lives and good fortunes to lead our enemies to Christ? Do I do what is best for me rather than what is best for others?
How do I demonstrate that God is first in my life? I do it by being where I can best serve to the glory of God and I am closest to Jesus when I am selflessly serving others. Worshiping God is vertical. Serving others is horizontal.
Paul had some good advice to the Philippians when he said: “Your life in Christ makes you strong, and his love comforts you. You have fellowship with the Spirit, and you have kindness and compassion for one another. I urge you, then, to make me completely happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and being one in soul and mind. Don’t do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves, and look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own.” (Philippians 2:1-4, GNT)
Be careful of what you focus on, because your focus becomes your idol. Focus on having the mind of Christ and do as he would do and see what joy comes into your life. Idols are often soon forgotten, but life with Christ is forever.
Question: What do you think are the most common idols in today’s society? How can a person seek to avoid these idols?
Very true Richard! Balance is always the challenge though isn’t it?
Your conclusion is correct for sure. You must realize that taking care of family and your spouse is also apart of God’s plan for your life. He understands the issues of parenthood but Satan would like to tell you that God will not understand. So keep balanced. You cannot fail doing the will of God in your life! It is spiritually impossible!
I agree Richard that an idol is whatever I put between me and God but it is more than something you hope can do what you know it cannot. Too often our children and our spouse are our idols because they consume our thoughts and time but I don’t think that we hope that they can do something they cannot. It’s more about letting them rob us of the joy that God promises us if we keep our eyes fixed on Him and Him alone!
An idol is something you hope can do what you know it cannot.
An idol is a way to avoid responsibility.
An idol is whatever I put between me and God.
God is not an idol He is your Creator.
Your Creator loves you an idol has no love.