We learn in the Bible that idolatry was a perpetual problem of all civilizations – not only among pagans, but also among God’s people. Nothing enraged God more than idolatry. But also, nothing enraged the idol worshippers more than when their treasured idols were threatened.

Nothing has changed. We too are made from the same stuff - the bent to worship idols. And we have a lot more idols than they ever had in Bible days. We have modern conveniences, countless choices, opportunities, things, people, status, religion, and institutions, to name a few of the many things that can be more important to us than God.

There is one particular idol that has always been around since the beginning. I suspect that it is our most sacred idol. No one ever talks about. It is very difficult to detect, for it cannot be seen, heard, or felt. It lurks quietly in the recesses of the mind. Few even know that it exists. However, when this cherished idol is threatened, there is often a sharp defensive reaction by its worshipper.

You are now wondering, What is this idol?

A statement I heard once from a marriage therapist gives us a clue. He said, “I could help couples progress better if they each would let go of their need to be right.” Aha! There it is! Their need to be right. That is the culprit – the demon idol that lurks in the hidden recesses of our minds.

We likely don’t view our rightness as a potential idol. Yet we carefully pattern our lives in such a way that it cannot be threatened. We imply in one way or another: “Don’t you dare tell me I’m wrong or need to change my thinking.” …”I will let you know how right I am.”…. “ I will correct you to my way of thinking” We control conversations; we control our family, friends, and subordinates – all in order to protect this beloved idol. We live our lives with an evangelistic fervor to testify to our treasured idol – our rightness.

This idol keeps us in a terrible bondage. It keeps us from admitting our spiritual poverty. It keeps us from seeking God for his infinite wisdom and truth. It keeps us from receiving helpful insight from others. It keeps us dishonest about ourselves.

In order to begin our journey to God, we must recognize and then surrender this idol. We must admit that we are poor – poor in mind, and poor in spirit. This is a humble path to take. However, only then can we be filled with wonderful treasures from above – God’s Spirit and truth.
Diane

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Diane

Dear Diane,

This is a tough post to respond to, because I remember many years ago, having to let go of the pride which prevented me from admitting I might be wrong about anything - let alone everything....! I had a friend who was a children's nurse. She had a photographic memory in those days and was always embarrassing herself with what she could remember having read - anywhere - but, she had a childlike thirst for new insight and knowledge and I heard her ask so many questions, I couldn't believe it was possible for anyone to be such a sponge for new information. Nothing she liked more, was to pin down the father of her sickest child (in the ward) and get him to explain what he did for a living. As a result, she was a great example of how to love others and make them feel valued which challenged me to the core. I'm not saying I'm like her now, but, she was a factor in my being willing to swop my 'I know' for an 'I [i]don't[/i] know ... please tell me, or, please explain to me.' It is still a process though, to find oneself too ready to claim the ascendancy and consciously turn away from it.

This is so true, Diane.
Thanks for posting it.
God Bless
Nellie :-)

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Diane

Diane,

In that house-church, we sang a lot of Wesley hymns and a recurring theme is the need to lay down even what we think is good. If God thinks it's good, He'll give it back intact, or, He will show us how He wants us to use that talent, gift, insight, skill etc. The point was really to let go of the idea that one had anything at all in one's favour. Now I agree there can be dangers spiritually, in asking people to lay down everything at once - because one doesn't know what will rush in to that 'gap'. And I think it was unhealthy for me at the time - definitely - but, in relinquishing my high opinions about one thing, I had to be open to the possibility, I was wrong about more than I knew. And I think THAT is a [i]healthy[/i] thought, when one is laying down something big.

Sometimes an issue is extremely specific and that's different from laying down an attitude which is bound to have affected all one's dealings with information. In fact, what I found was I had not been [i]open[/i] to perfectly good new information, because I was already so sure I was right about everything. And I wasn't. I couldn't possibly be. I didn't know enough - let alone be [i]right[/i] about everything I (thought I) knew.

Is that clearer?

Basically 3 idols Israel had to deal with, the same ones we deal with.


1) Ashera- the female goddess of fertility associated with sex

2)Molech (sp?)- god of power, associated with position ect...

3)Baal- god of increase associated with prosperity

That's a real quick thumbnail sketch . For us to day it's summed up in one sentence, "deny your self and follow Jesus".

But there are times when we will have to stand up and contend for the faith, or compell with strong arguements them to come in. But in a sacremental way I do kinda understand where you're coming from. Just rember that there is no new revelation by private interpetation. So always be like the Bereans who were more noble and searched diligently to see if the things they heard were true. God Bless, Bro. Daryl

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D.Miller

That was good dohzman.

John said the same thing in 1Jo 2:16 "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."


I liked the latter half of your post too. Amen.


Sometimes (most times) we don't even know (want to know) our own idols, and can only ask God to reveal our 'own' heart to us and be ready to see the worst.

That prayer will never cease to be necessary, until we die or are resurrected.



We're all a mess. Amen ? (Compared to HIM)





;-)

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Diane

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Eileen Teitsworth

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Diane