No Other Gods - Week 1 Day 3

In today's study we were asked to recall the definition of a false god or idol.  The two points that were made in the book that stuck out to me were that an idol was something that takes the place of God in our heart, thoughts or life and that it is something that masters or rules over you.

In order to grow, we need to have a deeper understanding. As always I am curious about definitions of words so I looked up the definition of an idol. Because I want to look at this more closely, I have copied this section from Merriam-Webster:
Definition of idol

1: an object of extreme devotiona movie idolalso : IDEAL sense 2

2: a representation or symbol of an object of worshipbroadly : a false god

3a: a likeness of something

bobsolete : PRETENDER, IMPOSTOR

4: a false conception : FALLACY

What do you think of in your own life when you think of each of these?  Does one or more of these definitions apply to you?  It is very likely that you have idols in your life that you are not even aware of yet.  If you are not aware of what is an idol in your life you may need to look deep.  My prayer is that through this, God will reveal the idol that is ruling over you.

• What or who are you extremely devoted to? Perhaps you are in school and are so devoted to your studies that it has become your idol. Your devotion to something may actually become an obsession. What about your family?  Certainly we are all devoted to our family, especially our children. But did you ever consider that your devotion to your children could actually be an idol?   I believe that we can become so wrapped up in parenting our children that yes, it can be an idol.  
• Are you worshiping someone that is not God?  Here is another opportunity for a definition, again from Merriam Webster.  One of the definitions of worship is to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion.  This can be in a negative way as well.  For example, there are many who are so against President Trump that it is actually a form of worship.  Is there someone you are placing up on a pedestal?  Perhaps a celebrity, a family member, or even your Pastor.  Who gets your utmost respect or devotion?  Does that level of worship exceed your level of respect and devotion to God?
• Are you devoted to an object?  This definition is the likeness of something, which I think of as being an idol that is a physical object.   I often think of the TV show Survivor when I think of physical idols.  Having the immunity idol in the show can consume them so greatly that it becomes a greater focus that even surviving the harsh conditions. This is the same as an object that can begin to completely consume us so greatly that we no longer are focused on God. Perhaps the object consuming us and our time is TV or Facebook, or maybe it is an addiction to drugs, alcohol, porn, gambling, shopping, food etc.  
• What false conception might be an idol for you?  Maybe it is that making more money will make life easier so you work harder, becoming so consumed that your career becomes your idol.  It could be staying in an unhealthy relationship where the idol becomes your focus on trying to keep the peace. What about hanging onto bitterness and anger towards someone?  Is the unwillingness to forgive your idol?

Uggg, I need some relief after all that.  The good news is that every single thing I listed above, and the hundreds of things that I didn't, does not have to continue to be an idol ruling over our life.  We can be rescued from it.

We are rescued when we cry out to God to save us from the mess we have ourselves in. Once you understand what the idol is in your life you can defeat it.  Through the mercy of God, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the love of Jesus you can be free from the idols in your life.

Here is a tip that may help you.  Find a scripture verse that you can keep close and meditate on to help you keep your focus.  It can be any verse that works for you.  The current verse I have taped up on my computer is:
Proverbs 4:25
Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.

This verse was what I used to keep focused on my most recent work project and not be distracted by spending too much time scrolling on Facebook.  That project is complete and I was about to take it down, but I really need to keep my focus on this study right now so I think I will leave it up awhile longer.  I encourage you to find a verse that works for you.