As I put away my laundry, I gaze upon my closet, thinking about how much I’m going to miss all that it encompasses. I honestly cringe at the thought of leaving behind all my shoes. Oh man, having to choose only three pairs to bring feels like being asked to choose a favorite child. And don’t even get me started on the clothing aspect of this journey! I can’t imagine trying to make outfits out of the same five shirts and five pants for nine months.
For years, I have used clothes and shoes and jewelry to express my inner being, and as weird as it sounds, not having that luxury will be such a change for me.
Yes, that sounds completely and utterly shallow. Yes, I understand that what I just said would sting the hearts of those that I am going to get to know and love in South Africa, Ecuador, and Cambodia. Yes, I know that I am immensely blessed in my ability to purchase, wear, and even wash the things I own.
Even in acknowledging these things, I really haven’t ever prayed or worried about the way I love my things! I’ve always just kinda figured that’s the way I’m wired. Although God has given me these things to love and appreciate, He never said it was okay to put them above Him.
I think idolization is one of the easiest ways to sin, because that’s such a strong word and the Devil can so sneakily lead us to believe that we do not idolize things.
By definition, to idolize is to revere, admire, or love excessively.
Man, do I do that with my clothes! The fact that I even was worried about leaving them behind in order to participate in this amazing act of worship is CRAZY! The worst part is is that they’re probably not the only thing that I tend to idolize.
But like I said, I didn’t even know I was idolizing my things until I cracked open 1 John, and read this.
(First I would like to say that God is so funny sometimes, and when I read my Bible it’s like I can literally feel Him looking down at me being like mmhmm Emma! It was so crazy because this morning I put away my laundry, had those thoughts, read my Bible and BAM His Word smacked me in the face. And I live for those moments. I love when God proves me wrong and shows me his desire for my life. So cool. Anyways!)
1 John 2:15-17 says: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride on one’s possessions- is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.”
Then, I read my little Bible analysis on this passage. (My Bible is super awesome and really helps me to dissect what I read- so the following statements are not written by me but by the general editors of the She Reads Truth Bible!)
This verse talks about the:
The lust of the flesh– Are we seeking luxury over knowing Christ?
The lust of the eyes– Do our minds crave worldly extravagance? Do our ears strain for applause and accolades?
The pride in one’s possessions– Do our eyes rove for treasure, possessions, and delight?
We should be reserving our deepest affections for the Lord. He is our real treasure in the world that is passing away. He is above all things and deserves more worship and praise than our mouths and hearts could ever sing. He is more important than my favorite shirt and my comfy bed. He is the place I call home, and the only one that is worthy of my idolization.
So, what/who is your idol?
