IDOLS OF THE HEART
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immortality, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry”
Colossians 3:5
Growing up as a young Christians, we were all admonished against the worship of other gods, other than the Lord our God. Immediately the word ‘idolatry’ is heard, the first thing that comes to mind has to do with the worship and adoration of smaller gods or idols. However, there is more to it than that. Idolatry is not just associated with the worship of graven images. A man commits idolatry whenever he honors any position, person, place,thing or possession in place of God.
That is to say that anything you cherish and hold in high esteem above God, counts as an idol in your life. This could be your job, income, physical appearance, gadgets etc. At times, we can even turn friends or relatives into idols. Some parents also tend to reverence their children above all other things.
You may not own a stone statue or totem in your home but believe it or not, idolatry is the most common form of sins among Christians. When it comes to idolatry, the danger is mostly not in the item but in us.
The idol is anything that raises itself up against God, even in the life of Christians. We have a few idols in our lives that pop up from time to time. These are items or titles of this earth, that will be with us till the end of time. They are mostly available to make our lives easier. However, when they are allowed to take charge over our lives, they take the place of God.
Nevertheless, when we understand and remember that we are the precious children of God, we will rest in His unending love and realize that no person nor position fits to take His place. The closer you get to Jesus, makes it easier to keep yourself from idolizing other items
