This past Sunday, Peter, the keyboardist in our worship team made a statement I have heard many times but find myself reflecting over…mainly because I read it again. Peter said, “We become what we behold.” I read it again Monday as I was reading Jefferson Bethke’s new book, It’s Not What You Think. Jefferson put it a little differently but said virtually the same:
“Whatever you behold, you become like. Whatever you worship, you turn into. Whatever you turn your gaze to, it rubs off on you.”
He made that statement in a chapter on worship. (DUH!) But the deeper part was his discussion of us being a society of sexual fulfillment. Some scary statistics to consider:
- 2.5 billion e-mails per day are pornographic
- 1 out of every 4 search engine requests is porn related
- Sex and porn are among the top 5 search engine terms for kids under 18
- 35% of all internet downloads are pornographic
To many sex is a god. But then again, so is Fame. Fortune. Status. Stuff. The list goes on. I go back to that original statement: “We become what we behold.” The one who thinks they are untouched by constant screen staring is delusional. The one who thinks they are unfazed by the almost insatiable hunger for fortune…or fame…or status…or stuff is only kidding themselves.
It’s a hard lesson to learn when your idol lets you down. When the sex wears off. When the fame is fleeting. When the fortune disappears. When the status is forgotten. When the stuff breaks.
There is only One worthy of worship…and it isn’t me or yourself or any individual or any thing.
To see Jesus as He really is allows the human heart to surrender to the greatest heart there is…and then conform/imitate and worship Him. Thanks Bill!
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. Ephesians 5:1-2
Well said Jay. Verse fits well also. Thanks.
I would agree if “any thing” was one word.
I would disagree because you would take the ONE out of deserving worship. 🙂 In that I can’t agree.
I just don’t think “anything” deserves worshiping
Well…I would agree then since Jesus is not a “thing.” 🙂
Worship from the context of a Christian should only be given to our Creator.
Though, I struggle as I am sure most do with thinking much too highly of myself, my wants, my desires.
I think that is the largest paradigm shift for people choosing to follow Christ. Redirecting that focus.
Whether it be money, power, things, sex, work, emotion, adrenaline, kids, spouse, church, etc… None of them are bad, but if we seek any to excess and feel we couldn’t manage with less… we need a gut check.
It is a lifelong process for most if not everyone.
I think if we all were to be honest with ourselves, there is always something competing for our time, admiration, our worship.
Without a doubt Ryan. And you summed up my point with the last sentence. You are also correct in saying none of those things are wrong in themselves.
I think that’s the sad part: people think they can do these things and not be affected. The individual is affected. Families are affected. Communities are affected. We were made to behold and worship Him! May we better understand that this is more than enough. Thanks Bill.
Very true Jason. We know very little about the affect things have on us.
You’ve heard me say it before, but I’ll say it again because it fits so well with the point of this post: Focus determines reality. Focus on the flesh, and that’s what flourishes. Focus on the spirit, and that will grow.
I totally agree with you Kari.
Philippians 4-8
We are to focus on all that is lovely and true if we are to grow in God’s image.
Such sad statistics you posted here, Bill. Oh, we are a people so in need of a Savior!
Blessings!
I found them to be sad also Martha. Focusing on Christ changes everything.
You’re right, we did have similar themes today. I have this image of sitting at Jesus’ feet. Closeness to Him makes everything better. And worshipping Him . . . based on the quote above, well that’s what it’s all about isn’t it?
That is the point Deb.
We are distracted by so many shiny objects.
Yep.
As someone who has been affected by pornography I can say that Jefferson’s quote is highly contagious. 🙂
Unfortunately your numbers about porn aren’t exactly going down.
But your closing statement is all that we need to survive and thrive!
Sadly the numbers aren’t going down Ed. Glad you liked the closing statement. I believe it.
Hi Bill! Looks like you’ve really touched on a great subject here with your readers. Who doesn’t feel like they are wasting their time with things that don’t lead to God or each other, at least at some point.
I know I think I’ll find happiness somewhere, it’s got to be out there somewhere… But there just aren’t any short cuts to that. It’s in fulfilling the will written for me by my Father, and in sharing with my spiritual family. That’s it.
The ‘shiny stuff’ like Larry says, fights me for attention and I don’t always stay where I am. But at least I know where I should be, and that is a great grace.
Blessings,
Ceil
The idea of “I know I’ll find it somewhere” is what drives us to search for something to satisfy us. That “shiny stuff” is all glitter and empty though. And great grace is needed for when I stray.
This is a powerful reminder. It’s no different than the physical adage, “You are what you eat.”
I didn’t grasp either when I was younger, but I’m beginning to catch on… Thanks for the reminder, Bill.
Too bad we have to get old to learn. 🙂 But i also agree the old adage fits.