When ancient civilizations worshiped other gods, they made sacrifices to those gods in order to gain their favor and receive their blessings. Often times they were looking to their gods for things like rain, a bountiful harvest, fertility, etc.
They looked to things other than God for things that only God can provide....and I do the same thing.
I don't sacrifice to volcanoes or do rain dances. However, I do look to my husband to validate my worth. I look to my children to give my life meaning. I look to my career to give me a sense of value. I depend on my bank account to give me a sense of security. I use food to soothe my soul when it aches. I buy little things when I feel overwhelmed because it makes me feel like I have some control, even if for only a moment. I hide behind extra weight, using it as a barrier of protection against the world. I use specific people in my life to fill in the empty, lonely spots in my soul. I depend on the perceived spiritual growth of the people in the groups where I minister and mentor to determine whether or not I am serving God well.
None of these things are sinister. None of these things are socially unacceptable. None would be frowned upon by most people. On their own,it all looks completely harmless... and maybe they would be... except for 2 things...
First, God is a jealous God. HE wants to be the ONLY source for all the things I listed above... and more.
Second.... Satan takes what seems harmless and uses it against me.
For example, when I look to my husband to validate my worth and he doesn't, a rift forms in our marriage. I feel neglected, he feels inadequate and we both suffer. When I use buying something to help me when I am feeling stressed and overwhelmed, I end up spending money that should be used for other things... like bills.. which causes more stress ... it's a vicious circle. The extra weight I use to feel protected from the world affects my health, my marriage, and reflects a lack of self control. Need I go on?
The sin of idolatry is looking to anything other than God for the things we get from God.
My worth and value come from who God says I am. HE says I am His.
My security comes from knowing that God will never leave me or forsake me, that my eternity is sealed for heaven.
When I feel stressed, overwhelmed, or fearful, it is always because I am focusing on my inability to "fix" something instead of trusting God's guidance and ability to work in and through me and those around me.
The good things in my life are not the problem. They are gifts from God. The PROBLEM lies in looking to the gifts to give me things only the Giver of the Gifts can provide.
Just my thoughts,
K
