In times of distress, people turn to something they can believe in. And I think it’s clear we are in a time of distress.
God’s word acknowledges this human inclination to seek solace in something when we struggle. The question the Bible poses over and over again is, where do you turn? We see through examples in Scripture that people have a habit of turning to idols in place of the one true God. They do this because they lose patience with, or perhaps forget entirely, a God they can’t see.
But we don’t really have to worry about idols, right? The graven images described in the 10 commandments of Exodus 20, made out of stone, wood, or metal, aren’t really relevant any more. I mean, when’s the last time you saw someone worshiping a golden calf? (Exodus 32) Even our post-Christian American society isn’t setting up Asherah poles (Micah 5) or building temples for Artemis like Paul dealt with in Acts. When we survey the world around us we could conclude, idols are obsolete.
I wish that were true, but Colossians 3:5 offers a broader definition of the practice of idolatry:
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
If sexual immorality, lust, evil desires, and greed are forms of idolatry, then idols, and idolatry, are rampant. They are concerns not simply for our society at large, but more specifically for our personal spiritual walk. Add to that Revelation 9 which speaks of a future society still unwilling to give up their idols even after enduring unimaginable plagues. They grip onto their graven images, their idolatrous practices, with every bit of strength they have left.
So while idols and idolatry can feel a bit archaic, Biblical in its context, but not applicable to actual real life, the truth is, they are relevant. We must accept that we are susceptible to building a golden calf. We are capable of grasping and worshiping a man-made creation instead of the Creator. Maybe we already are. Our human inclination is to turn to something — anything — concrete to sooth our weary hearts. It feels good to fall at the feet of human affection, social media, food, online shopping, entertainment, the 24-hour news cycle.
Sometimes it’s easy to believe that these things can bring us satisfaction faster and more effectively than an unseen God.
Sometimes it’s easy to believe that another news cycle will explain what’s going to happen in the election, that another scroll through social media will satisfy our craving for purpose, that another affirmation from someone will finally make us believe we are worthy. But the Bible says very clearly in Isaiah 41, they can’t. In fact, God challenges any idol to stand before him and
Predict the future
Explain the past
Do good
Do bad
Do anything
But of course these insignificant, lifeless idols can’t.
“Behold you (idols) are nothing, and your works are nothing; and abomination is he who chooses you.” Isaiah 41:24
Only God can do those things. He gives insight into the future in his Word. His promises and principles help us understand the past. His hand has a tangible affect on our lives. Nothing else can do that. Nothing else can do anything for us.
I’m not sure “idols” is a very attractive blog post topic. It isn’t something I’ve looked forward to writing about. But I have been convicted personally of some idols I’ve let in my life during this season. I thought I would tell you what mine have looked like so maybe you could recognize yours, too.
I’m lonely. I’m tired from long days with my kids.
I’m unsure of the future. It’s hard right now. In the moments when I feel uneasy, when worry floods my mind or anxiety tightens my chest, I always run to something. I started to notice I wasn’t running to the feet of Jesus. Instead, I ran to Facebook and Instagram, scrolling with a mindless need to satisfy an elusive craving. I ran to affirmation from others, hoping to feel safe and worthy from just the right words. I ran to entertainment, longing to find rest for my discouraged mind, just to have a few moments of peace. But these places never gave me anything real. In fact, more often, I walked away with more anxiety and discouragement than when I started.
This is my warning to you, friend, it happens very easily.
I love the Lord, I know intellectually and intimately that He is all I need. And yet, my fickle flesh is always looking for a quick fix. It’s very easy to sneak an idol in, make a place for it, even bow down in worship to it, without realizing we let it steal our affection and attention away from the only one who deserves it.
We all turn to something in tough times, the question we can’t forget to ask is where do we turn? Are we looking to the lifeless to give us life? If you’re like me, this question may uncover some idols you didn’t know you had. Some practical questions to ask are:
What do I crave in my pain?
Who do I turn to when I’m uncomfortable?
What do I do when I feel sad?
May “Jesus” be the answer to each of these longings in our hearts today.
If you discover an idol hidden away, stealing your affection and attention, it’s time to call it out and tear it down. I’m working on running to Jesus every time my heart aches for something more. Sometimes that means putting my phone on the counter for an hour instead of scrolling. Sometimes that means reading his word and trusting it more than anyone else. Sometimes that means making space for silence in my very noisy life. Jesus is the solution to our longings, friend. I encourage you today, don’t let anything stand in his place.