Idolatry

I recently found out that an idol is more than just worshipping anything that isn’t God. It is anything that you fills your thoughts and time to the point of becoming an obsession or fixation. Merriam Webster defines an idol as an image or representation of a god used as an object of worship or a person or thing that is greatly admired, loved, or revered. God doesn’t want Him to be the only thing you love or think about but He does want to stay at the center of your life and your heart. But, did you know that an idol can be a negative thought just as much as a positive thought about someone or something too?

Thinking about something someone has done to you to the point of getting frustrated and riled up is a form of idolatry. No one likes to think about how horrible someone has been to them and God doesn’t want you to continue to mull over being wronged by someone either. He wants us happy and full of joy. That’s why idolizing God is the best and most beneficial person to revere and put your trust. He is unchanging and will never leave you or let you down. It is very unhealthy and total folly to place your hopes and dreams in a person who can change their mind in the blink of an eye or pass away suddenly. “The sorrows of those who run after other gods shall suffer more and more…” Psalm 16:4

I recently realized that depression can be a symptom of idolatry. It’s something I have suffered from in the past to the point of being bed ridden for weeks. I would only get up to eat, use the restroom and occasionally shower. I was in so much pain from my friend dying when I was 18 that it completely ruined that part of my life for months. There were friends and family still alive who cared about me but I was so stuck in the loss and didn’t see a way out. I don’t know what broke me out of my depression, but that idolatry was extremely debilitating and I know I’m sure I’m not the only one who has experienced that kind of depression. “Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.” Galatian 4:8.

Anxiety can also be considered a symptom of idolatry. It is dreading and fixating on future events that may or may not happen. I’ve come to find that it ultimately has to do with not trusting God’s plan or even knowing He has a plan for you in the first place. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11. I used to be on Xanax and Klonopin and still get panic attacks because I was always so fearful of what might happen during any day of the week. I am free in Christ now and don’t suffer from my anxiety anymore. My anxiety still flares up but it doesn’t last or get unbearable like it used to. All I have to do is talk to God or pray and I feel much better.

God wants you to have hobbies, passions, and people you love. But, when they start to become the center of your heart, that’s when things go wrong and God may start to become jealous like it says in the Old Testament. “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, Yahweh, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” Exodus 20:3-6. After building a relationship with the Holy Spirit, I have come to realize He is so much more loving, patient, kind and better than any person I’ve known. Not to sound corny, but God is worthy of being loved, revered, and idolized. If you don’t believe me, start to seek Him and find out for yourself.