The last few weeks at church, we've been talking a lot about idols and the various things in this world that can/do take a central role in our lives. We've discussed that the general definition of idol in this case, is anything or anyone that takes the place of God in our lives; anything or anyone that takes our focus away from God; anything that basically consumes our life whether through our thoughts, actions, or heart… and therefore, whether we want to admit it or not, we allow things and people that are created beings become more important than the creator of all. This week the pastor used the analogy of the creator of high-tech electronics (smartphone, droid, w/e) sitting there with his invention. Then, a person comes along saying how wonderful his invention is, starts worshipping his invention, turns their back on the inventor, and basically forgets the reason they have such a great thing in their possession. For me personally, that's not usually something I struggle with but a lot of people do. It's different things for different people, but the point is, we all have our idols and we all have our demons that we struggle with everyday. Regardless of whether it's owning the latest gadgets, driving fast cars, having lots of money, wanting a significant other, pleasing ur family, impressing ur friends, getting into a good school, landing a great job, buying a huge house, always being in control, being the center of attention, always being involved, or knowing the latest gossip, etc. there's things fight for our attention everyday.
Does that mean having money, a good education, somewhere nice to live, a car to drive, the support of family/ friends, or a job you enjoy is somehow a bad thing? No, none of those things in and of themselves are bad things at all. For example, people often say that money is the root of all evil. Well, in reality, yes and no… You see the Bible says that "the LOVE of money is the root of all evil" not money itself. It's when money (or anything else) becomes the most important thing in our lives that we have a serious problem. Pastor Kevin has reiterated the following phrase over and over again the last few weeks "When a good thing becomes a God thing, that's when we have a problem" which I think is completely true. Think about that. Having a safe place to live, food to eat, financial security, a great support system through family/friends, or being in a relationship are all wonderful things and huge blessings. But, when those things become the only think we think about, strive towards, feel is necessary to our happiness, or make our life complete… there's a problem… because that's basically saying that w/out those things are life is incomplete and meaningless. You don't need a big house, fancy car, lots of friends, a significant other, or millions of dollars to be happy! Don't believe me? Ask people that have those things and are still unhappy. It's like someone addicted to drugs or alcohol. After awhile, getting that next high or having that next drink is all they're worried about. Those things become an idol to them. But, just because u don't set up a shrine or do physical damage to ur mind & body, doesn't mean u don't have any idols in ur life. Money, loving relationships, and a management position at work can all be good things. But greed, jealousy, lust, power, and control are all things that can easily be made into idols – even w/out people even realizing it. In fact, those things can nearly destroy u over time if u let them. It's not always about what u have, it's often about how u view what u have (or don't have) that matters most. Whether it's people, stuff, or situations in out lives things can always be taken away in a heartbeat! If our foundation isn't solid in the Truth of the ONE who really matters and who really has the ultimate control, than our lives can break apart at the seams when change, loss, or hardship comes our way.
