Crosspoint family,
Idols are easy to dismiss if you only see golden calves and ceramic figurines. But if you realize we can (and sometimes do) make idols of anything and everything, then you realize we’re all idolaters at heart. The wise folk are the ones who are eager to see and learn what they’re worshipping wrongly. Here’s an excerpt I found helpful from the Peacemaker book (pg 125-126). Be sure to look at the references with each potential idol......some really good insight.
Potential idols of the heart:
Improper desires for physical pleasure, also known as lusts of the flesh, may lead to sexual immorality, overeating, gambling, laziness, or other forms of self-indulgence (1 John 2:15-17; Gal 5:16-21; Eph 4:19)
Pride and the desire to always be right can make us defensive, reluctant to admit our wrongs, slow to accept advice, and quick to find fault with others (Prov 8:13; 2 Cor 5:12; James 3:14; 1 John 2:15-17)
Love of money or other material possessions, which can also appear as envy, can lead to a preoccupation with financial security; tempt us to lie, break contracts, mistreat employees, or compulsively pursue unnecessary things; or make it difficult for us to forgive debts or show mercy to others (1 Tim 6:10; Eph 5:5; Matt 6:24; Luke 2:16-21; 27-31; Acts 5:1-3)
Fear of man may involve an actual fear of what others can do to us (Prov 29:25; Luke 12:4-5) or an excessive concern about what others think about us, which can lead to a preoccupation with acceptance, approval, popularity, personal comparisons, or pleasing others (John 9:22; 12:42-43, Gal 1:10; 1 Thess 2:4) This idol can make us reluctant to address serious sin, tempt us to gossip or do other things we know are not right, and make us reluctant to admit our wrongs or ask for help, which often prolongs conflict.
Good things we want too much. Some of the most difficult idols to deal with are good desires we elevate to demands, such as longing for love, respect, comfort, convenience, or success. These things, while beneficial in themselves, can become the source of terrible conflict if we let them take control of our hearts.
I’m thankful things don’t go well for me when I make an idol of one or more of these things. I’m thankful I experience conflict with others when I’m worshipping something other than God. And I’m thankful God uses that difficulty to discipline me and grow me into the image of His good and perfect Son.
Thankful He’s always working and refining and disciplining and refining His children.
Paul Astorben
