Last week, I talked about idolizing self-reliance and success. The Bible has a lot to say about idolatry, and yet it’s easy to read biblical passages about idols and think, I don’t bow down to pagan altars. I’m not sacrificing animals or burning incense to another god. Does that mean you don’t struggle with idolatry like people did back then? Idolatry is simply trusting in anything more than we trust in God. Our idols may not look like statues, but they may be financial security, pleasure, success, others’ approval of us, or, l like me, my own dreams! No matter what our idols look like, they all have one thing in common—we use them to try to satisfy a need that only Jesus can fill. And striving to meet that need ourselves only leaves us empty, hungry, and feeling alone. The Bible tells us something different.
Psalm 145:13-16 (NLT)
13 For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. 14 The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. 15 The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. 16 When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
So, What… for This Week?
Ask yourself, what need are you trying to fill with the idol of success and self-reliance? Confess to God where you’ve relied on your own efforts and wisdom to get you through life and then ask for forgiveness for making an idol of success. Let go of striving… of your dreams that don’t align with God’s. Let go of control over your efforts and schedule and give it all to God. Ask Him to come and fill your heart with His presence and teach you to rely on Him while He guards your heart from idols. Now, please pray the same prayer for ME!