What is an Idol?

Acts 7:41
And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.

1 Cor. 10:14-15
Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say.

Col. 3:5
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

I often used the term "band-aid of life" to refer to food. It was used at celebrations, it was used to console, to show appreciation, as a gift, as a reward and every other occasion that called for a supporting friend.

Had someone ever asked me if there were 'idols' in my life I would - no doubt have been offended (oops...that's another page!) and definitely declared a firm "No". However, anything (or anyone) that is so important to you that it (they) seemingly makes the difference between you being contented or disappointed - on cloud nine or 'in the pits' - rewarded or frustrated - needs examination.

I did not think that 'food' was a necessary element to my 'happiness', I just 'used' it in all situations that called for an emotional tune-up. It was my friend, it was always there and seldom disappointed me! For me it was food, but there are countless other 'things' or 'actions' that can get a dangerous hold on your life.

What are some of today's idols?

Food - you can't turn on the TV without watching commercial after commercial about how this burger or that steak, or cookies, or pies, or cakes are just the most yummy in the world. A picture of people celebrating or consoling themselves is often the picture. Therefore ... to be happier I should eat something!

A Marriage Partner - If I could just find the right person, or if the person I am married to would just change! "Leave it to Beaver" was not real life! When our happiness or fulfillment depends upon another person we are doomed to failure. There is nothing we can do to guarantee another person's happiness any more than another person can guarantee our happiness and fulfillment.

Shopping - Acquiring 'things' - the act of adding things to our stockpile of goods. Things that never seem to be enough - things that break down, rust, crack or spoil in some way never bring happiness, no matter how many of these 'things' we collect.

Alcohol or Drugs - Numb the pain - hide from a situation that should be confronted. In the end the pain is still there, the situation did not change and there is more to deal with when the 'high' wears off.

Sickness or Disease - You may think this a strange addition to the list, but sickness can be a place to hide. It can - in a strange way - become a comforting place - it provides us with reasons/excuses, it requires comfort from others, it focuses attention on ourselves and relieves us of responsibility to put others first. Sickness and disease attacks us, not only in our physical body, not only emotionally, but it wars in our spirit with the Spirit of God attempting to destroy HIS purpose for our lives. He provided a way out! "By HIS stripes we were healed"

These are only some of the things that can become idols in our lives. These "idols" replace our dedication and worship of God. We become consumed by thoughts and actions that focus on these "idols" and God becomes a 'second thought' - the one we cry out to after the "idol" doesn't deliver.

Examine your life. Look for those things that seem to be the 'fixers' of your emotions. Look for things that seem so necessary that you just can't live without them. Look for things that you have or that you don't have, but want so badly - be honest with yourself. Do these things control you or your thoughts? We will only find true happiness - joy - peace - Not the world's happiness - but Father's contentment and satisfaction, by listening to and walking in HIS instruction. He has given us direction for every area of our lives. Go to Him and just talk about the area of your life that is causing you to be distracted and from giving yourself to Him completely.

Ask Him for revelation knowledge. When He shines His light on the problem you will be able to see it clearly. Whether it was talked about jokingly or whether you cried until your heart seemed to break - He will reveal your idols and - not just take them away, but show you a better way. God wants to be our 'supply', our 'provision', our 'protection', our 'friend', our 'comforter', our 'guide'. He wants to give to us - His children, every good and perfect gift. Pull down and destroy the idols - give God first place in your life.

06/19/03