Idols in Our Lives

Most of us have very busy lives. We do this, and that, and this, and that, etc…. you get my point. Often times, however, we allow what we are doing to become too important. Entertainment is just one of the many things that we like doing; we may enjoy exercising, working on our hobbies, reading, even working (ever heard of a workaholic?) Anything that we do has the potential to become an idol in our lives.

Maybe you are thinking, “Idols?… …..I don’t have any of those in my life, or my ____ is not too important, and I can stop whenever I want to.” Well, here’s the test for “idols”- deprive yourself of your “thing” for one week (if you can); you might find the task harder than you think.

You may find it “impossible” to do something like the above. This would be an indication that something is important to you and possibly too important.

I’d like to make a point here, often times what we are doing is harmless and is not a sin. It is not a sin to play video games (though some are wicked and violent and should be avoided-another post in itself), but what is wrong is when you become addicted to video games. I’m sure everyone has heard of grown men who sit in front of television sets playing X-Box for 8 hours a day or more. These people are addicted to playing games, they have an obsession and are no longer in control of their lives, the video games have captivated them and made them prisoners.

As Christians God wants to be in control of our lives. The Bible mentions that “God is a jealous God” this means that He wants to be the number 1 priority and He can not share the throne of our hearts with anything. Jesus said, “You can not serve both God and money.” This means that you can not serve two masters, God and whatever. Christianity calls for a full, total, sold-out commitment to Christ. (Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ Mathew 22:37a italics added).

I was convicted by my desire for my cd-player, which caused me to get upset when I was deprived of it, compared with the lackluster attitude I had towards Bible reading. If only we all (myself included) had the same passion for the things of God, that we have for all the things of this world which are passing away.

Finally, evaluate the things in your life and see if there is anything that needs to be deprived of it’s “exalted” status. God bless you.

(Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 underline added)

Erik