The problem with idolatry is it morphs continuously into other expressions.
Once the Holy Spirit helps us pull down an idol, our relationship with God becomes intimate and connected again….until one day we realize just like the “whack a mole” game at the fair, another one has popped up. There is a reason for that. It is satan’s job. He is good at his job and never tires of luring our focus off God.
I have learned in my journey of faith that satan is patient and strategic. The beauty of our relationship with God is that he is ever ready to help in time of trouble. To stay out of idolatry requires total dependence on Him, close to His heart….right where He wants us.
Our spiritual maturity does not mirror emotional maturity. As parents we realize a child is maturing by their ability to become more and more independent. Spiritual maturity is the opposite. It is a dependent relationship on God. The MORE we lean on Him, the MORE we run to Him, the MORE we cling to Him, the MORE we behold Him, the MORE we crave Him, the MORE we honor Him; the MORE overcoming becomes natural. The minute we start walking toward independence from God the faster new idols rise up for our attention. Any spiritual vacancy is filled instantly with idolatry.
It would be so easy if an idol in our heart was as visible as the nine foot gold statue Nebuchadnezzar ordered Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego to bow to. Instead they are disguised and attach to our hearts like leeches that drain us of life and power. They suck on our hearts until we bow out of spiritual anemia.
Healthy questions to ask:
• What idol lures us out of church and fellowship with the body?
• What idol clogs the flow of God’s anointing in our life?
• What idol sterilizes our ability to reproduce disciples?
• What idol inoculates our ability to feel conviction?
• What idol paralyzes serving in our local church?
• What idol lacerates our relationships?
• What idol deafens our spiritual ears?
• What idol magnetizes our focus?
• What idol vacuums our time?
• What idol mutes our praise?
• What idol pilfers our tithe?
Once idols are identified and crushed, the dam of idolatry in our heart is dismantled. This allows the current of God’s river of life to surge through our spirit in a way that brings passion and compassion alive! The joy and peace we step into is incomparable to ANY EARTHLY experience!
Ephesians 3:14-20
14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and bow to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
We are a work in progress. The more we tear down the idols in our lives, the more and faster our eyes are opened to see them. And then we can be quicker to pull them down and not let them keep us in their bondage.
Since we don’t use the word idol as much as they did in Bible days, sometimes it helps me to think of my idols in terms of addictions, whether an addiction to worry, work, food or whatever… it becomes my idol.
Well Phyllis, you did it again…Homerun! If you don’t start working on publishing your writing and studies, you may get arrested by the Gift Police! This is a wonderful study that causes us to peer deeply into our soul, search out the idol culprits and fulfill our search and destroy mission to unfold the freedom within to be obedient servants. Thanks!