What is an idol, you might say? An idol is something in your life that occupies your time, thoughts and energy. It is anything that you place more importance on than God. I just listened to a sermon by the Village Church called Deep Idols and it convicted me of idols in my life I wasn’t even aware of. There are many things in our lives, when taken out of proportion, can become idols. Probably things you weren’t even aware of… 1. What do I worry about most? 2. What thing, if I failed or lost it, would make me question living? 3. What/Who do I look to for comfort on a bad day? 4. What do I daydream about? 5. What do I want to be known for? 6. What prayer unanswered would seriously make you question God? From this, the pastor explains how most people have surface idols (easily identified in our lives) and deep idols (the root of the surface idols). Four common “deep idols” are: Power– desire to seek power, influence, success Control– mastery or certainty over something in your life Approval– desire to be loved or accepted by (someone). Others acceptance gives you a sense of worth. Comfort– desire for a certain quality of life. Seek privacy and a lack of stress. I encourage you to listen to the message
St. Augustine wrote, “Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee.”
Do you want an idol that is in control of your life, that will always be telling you you need more, OR do you want to find rest in a gracious, loving Father? In Him, he satisfies all of our needs, allowing us to break free from the ties of idols in our lives. One thing I have learned this year is that nothing in this world is constant, but God is.
