Idols come in all shapes, forms and sizes…it could be a person or a object. Whatever it is that takes my focus away from God and becomes an “all important” item is an idol. I’ve had many idols throughout my life. When I was younger it was the idol of being accepted and loved which led to some bad choices. After I accepted Christ I KNEW He was there to forgive my bad choices and help me learn to make better ones. But that didn’t mean I set aside my idols forever.
I notice an idol can begin as a very small thing but grow into a full blown “golden calf” (reference to Exodus 32). I admit, my car was one of those things growing into a golden calf. I loved my car (first mistake, nothing is really mine). Washing it by hand (no car washes in order to keep it scratch free) and driving it anywhere, anytime. I didn’t want anyone driving it or parking too close. It was important to me.
I knew deep down it was just an object, but oh what an object it was to me! Then God called us to the mission field…Kenya. I had to make a very hard decision to let go of this very near and dear to my heart item. This meant getting rid of the hold it had on me and letting God take hold of me instead. Trusting that God would fill whatever void I felt only this car could fill.
Admittedly I still think about my car once in a while, but it’s funny, I think of the freedom I had driving not necessarily the car itself. My perspective has changed quite a bit since living here in Kenya and I know God has filled that void but continually inspecting my life for what is or may become an idol in my life is an ongoing search of my heart. It may not be an object but perhaps serving Him. Do I forget it’s God who moves my heart not the needs of the people around me? I have to remember I’m here (in Kenya) out of love and obedience to HIM…no one or nothing else.
Their silver and gold
will not be able to deliver them
in the day of the LORD’s wrath.
It will not satisfy their hunger
or fill their stomachs,
for it has caused them to stumble into sin. Ezekiel 7:19b
Praying my idol continues to be my Lord and Savior and when I fall I thank Him for His forgiveness and love so freely given.
Hey sis,
hard to not idolize those white convertibles, huh? 🙂 but reading your post I realize I’m not quite idolizing mine as you did yours. Mine is dirty, has been thru gas station car washes, and been filled with beach sand more than once. But I loved your comment about it was the freedom. that is my addiction to convertibles….after a hard day of work, driving home with the top down is freedom, relaxation, connection to…..air! that I crave. for me it’s also somewhat church. i spend time in my car, letting go of the stresses of work and work to reconnect and converse with God. I feel closer to him, or more easily accessible with the top down. crazy I’m sure but it is how I feel. but I do know that if I had to give up Vince (Vince Vaughn is my Volvo!) I would be glad to have had him in the first place. nice post. miss you. love you.