What’s Your Idol? Recognizing Modern-Day Idolatry

In our fast-paced, achievement-driven society, losing sight of what truly matters is easy. As members of the Church of Christ, we understand the importance of focusing on God. Yet, we can often find ourselves unwittingly bowing to modern-day idols. These idols are not statues or images we might think of from ancient times; instead, they are more subtle and insidious. They manifest in the form of self-worth, career success, and personal accomplishments.

The Subtlety of Modern Idolatry: A Dangerous Deception

Modern-day idolatry is deceptive because it often disguises itself as something good. We pursue self-worth, not realizing that it can become an idol. We strive to build our careers and achieve success, not seeing how these pursuits can overshadow our devotion to God. The Bible warns us about idolatry; although the idols have changed, the danger remains.

Consider the words of Colossians 3:5, where Paul instructs us to "put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry." The term 'earthly nature' refers to our human tendencies and desires not aligned with God's will. While we may not bow to golden calves, our 'earthly nature' can lead us to idolize other things.

Self-Worth: The Idol of the Self

In a culture that promotes self-esteem and self-worth, it's important to understand the difference. Self-esteem is a healthy sense of one's worth, while self-worth can become an idol when we place too much value on our importance. We are encouraged to 'be the best version of ourselves' and to 'love ourselves first.' While self-care and confidence are important and inherently good, they should not precede our relationship with God. In fact, focusing on being our best selves can and should align with what God calls us to be.

God desires us to be the best versions of ourselves through Him, for Him, and by His definition of "best self." Jesus teaches us in Matthew 22:37-39 to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Notice that self-love is not excluded but is placed in proper order – after loving God and others.

When we prioritize our self-worth above our worth in Christ, we risk making an idol of ourselves. Our achievements, appearance, and even our good deeds can become sources of pride, diverting glory from God. However, when we seek to become our best selves through God's guidance, we align our personal growth with His will.

Being our best self in God's eyes means embodying the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). It means using our talents and abilities to serve others and glorify God rather than seeking personal accolades.

Romans 12:2 urges us, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will." By renewing our minds and focusing on God's will, we can become the best versions of ourselves in a way that honors Him.

In essence, striving to be our best should be an act of worship and devotion to God, not a pursuit of self-glorification. When we live according to God's definition of our best self, we not only improve ourselves but also become a light to others, reflecting His love and grace.

Building Your Empire

In pursuing career success and building our "empire," we often become preoccupied with worldly accomplishments. It's easy to equate success with God’s favor, thinking that our hard work and determination are solely responsible for our achievements.

However, in Deuteronomy 8:17-18, we are reminded, "You may say to yourself, 'My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.' But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today."  This passage powerfully reminds us that all we have is from God. Our talents, opportunities, and successes are blessings for His glory, not our own.

Balancing ambition with contentment is a challenge. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul offers insight into this balance. In Philippians 4:11-13, he writes, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

While we strive for success, it is crucial to maintain contentment in all circumstances, recognizing that true strength and fulfillment come from God. Additionally, Ecclesiastes 9:10 reminds us, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”

God calls us to work diligently and use our abilities to the fullest, yet we must do so with the understanding that our efforts are for God's glory, not our own. By focusing on God and aligning our ambitions with His will, we can avoid making an idol out of our careers and accomplishments. We can build our 'empires' in a way that honors Him, using our successes as platforms to reflect His love and grace to the world.

Refocusing on God

To avoid the pitfalls of modern-day idolatry, we must continuously and unwaveringly refocus our hearts and minds on God. Here are a few practical steps:

1.    Daily Devotion: Spend time in prayer and Bible study daily. Let God's Word guide your actions and decisions.

2.   Service: Engage in acts of service, not for recognition, but out of love for God and others. Remember Matthew 25:40, where Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

3.   Gratitude: Cultivate a heart of gratitude. Acknowledge that all you have is from God, and give thanks for His blessings.

By recognizing and dismantling the idols in our lives, we can more fully dedicate ourselves to God. Let's strive to keep Him at the center, give Him all the glory, and serve Him wholeheartedly. Remember, our ultimate worth and purpose are found in Christ alone.

-  Grant Hewlett

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