Idols of the Heartনমুনা

AREAS OF IDOLATRY

PRETENCE OR LOOK GOOD

Yesterday we looked at the Pleasure or the Feel-Good idol. Today we will look at the look-good idol that is all about appearances. Life in God is about being authentic. Insecurity makes you hide who you are. So, you pretend, and it is bondage. This makes you lie, cheat, and create false impressions, and you will do all kinds of things to make a good impression on me. People pleasing is very important to you.

Remember Ananias and Sapphira? They are the equivalent of our ‘Instagram posers’. They wanted to show that they were something great, and more generous than they were. They lied and exaggerated their commitment to the leadership. Likewise, we project an image of ourselves as holy, serving, giving, and spiritual so that people perceive us in a certain way, but the real you is seen and known by God.

POWER OR BE RIGHT AND STAY IN CONTROL

This idol is the one that has destroyed many marriages and friendships. It is the inability to yield. Friendships have gone sour, and churches have split because of pride and the inability to say, “I was wrong, please, forgive me." This idol manifests itself in defensive, contentious, stubborn, and self-willed behaviour patterns. The person will not have the humility to say "Yes, you are right," '"I never thought of it that way," "I will consider what you are saying," or simply, "I am wrong!"

You can lose friendships, your marriage and even your job over this one. Whatever it is in your mind that says, “You must do it my way” points to an idol of control. They will not do anything another person says because they feel they have lost control!!

The idols that we have in our hearts come at a cost. What is the price that you are willing to pay to keep them?

Though we struggle, we have One who helps us to overcome. Jesus died for us who need Him daily. Jesus died in our place so that we can give up our idols and embrace Him. We need to be willing to die to ourselves. We can do this by His grace and the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth and helps us in our weaknesses.

REFLECTIONS

Do you identify with any of the above broad categories of idols of the heart?

Have you lost a friendship or soured a relationship because you were unwilling to admit your fault? Ask God for grace to set it right today.