When I think of an idol, the first thing that comes to mind is a statue that people worship. But that’s so obvious.
There is an abundance of obscure idols in our world. Anything that distracts us from God can become an idol; our jobs, children, families, hobbies, friends, addictions, volunteering, pets, feelings, ministry, our insecurities, and even church can keep us from having a devotional, worshipful relationship with God by putting Him in the backseat.
How can a church become an idol? Isn’t it good to go to church and participate in worship, fellowship, and service? Not when it takes the place of seeking God personally, and by His power, living your life in His will. Even good things, if allowed to become your everything, can become an idol.
My own addictive behaviors brought that home for me. Only when I surrendered them to God because I wanted to please Him did I fully understand what loving God first meant. That’s when the miracles started to happen. I must surrender my idols daily to the Lord for the rest of my life.
Faithfulness to Christ should be the ultimate measure of our faith walk as Christians.
It goes against everything our flesh tells us.
Still…
Love God first.
Reflection: Do you have anything that could be considered an “idol” in your life?
A LIVING STONE 