Idolatry

Written by cycleguy on March 3rd, 2015

thefi5thgospel

Last week’s discussion about Bobby’s book touched on idols. I used Bobby’s definition of idols and said an “idol is a God-supplanter.” Since that is such a broad subject, and I didn’t have enough room last week (the post would have been way too long), I thought I would finish the topic this week.

The question we are all faced with is this: what are some of the contemporary idols we struggle with?

#1: Stuff

#2: Cash

#3: Sex

#4: Technology

#5: Beauty

#6: Entertainment

#7: Success

#8: Religion

Quite a list Bobby has made up. I chose not to go into even minor details about each one because I don’t think there really is a need to. You know what they are. You know what they stand for. You know their power. If not all, then part. You probably could add more if given a chance (and you will).

So, what’s the secret to defeating these idols? According to Bobby it is craving God. (P.82). Can’t say I disagree with Him. If an idol captures our heart, then giving our heart to God is the antidote. What that looks like?????

Let me ask you: would you add any idols to the list? And what does craving God look like to you?

 

12 Comments so far ↓

  1. Daniel says:

    My number one idol might just be me. I so often put me first at every turn. It is me, myself, and I that I often put before my God. This is an area where I still require a lot of work to make progress.

  2. Jeff says:

    I would like to think I am pretty well rounded. I don’t spend too much time on any one thing on the list. I do enjoy everything on the list though. Except religion. There I just get a kick on how everyone creates there own imaginary world view. I crave God like I crave Brussel Sprouts.

  3. That’s quite the list of temptations! I think when we find ourselves inordinately absorbed with any of them, it’s time to turn our full attention to God and ask for His help in not letting any of those become our idols.
    Blessings, Bill!

    • cycleguy says:

      Yes it is quite a list Martha. A very challenging one at that. And you are right…only by turning to Him does it make it possible for them not to become idols.

  4. Gingi says:

    I would add “Self” to the list. – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com

  5. floyd says:

    The first thing I thought of was pride. Right in there with what Daniel wrote. When we put ourselves before God or even others we fail.

    I also think it’s more than just craving God, I think it takes a certain amount of discipline to “draw nigh unto Him” in order to have His power to best the idols in this life.

  6. Steve says:

    To that idol list, I would add “performing for man’s approval” and “performing for God’s approval.” I agree with craving/seeking God being the anti-dote; but it’s seeking God in truth. I have come to realize that my time with Him in the Word, contemplation, & prayer is getting to know Him. We must come to know God as He truly is and His thoughts as they truly are. Seeking Him independently of His Word is definitely not the anti-dote.