Convert Your ‘Idols’ Into Godly Pursuits, Through Jesus

Word-Of-The-Day: ‘(16) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, (17) so that the servant of God (you) may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.’ (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

A year or so ago, 1,000 Protestant pastors were surveyed by LifeWay Research to determine what ‘idols’ are hindering their congregations from having a clearer and closer relationship with God, and in obeying Him.  These are not the ‘idols’ we normally picture, as not many Christians are worshipping statues or a mortal person, but in this case, these are almost all intangibles; a desire for a particular feeling overriding the fact that God is in control.  The eight idols found to be the ones being chased most by Christians are 1) Comfort (67%), 2) Control/Security (56%), 3) Money (55%), 4) Peer approval (51%), 5) Success (49%), (6) Social influence (46%), 7) Political power (39%), and 8) Sex/romantic love (32%). 

Each of these ‘idols’ are mortal pursuits that can inhibit the work of God, and His provision of gifts.  Some are likely tied together; money and success are sometimes intertwined, and peer approval may go along with social influence.  The top 2 ‘idols’, Comfort and Control/Security are understandable as being the top ‘dogs’ in this survey.  While there are certainly times we say ‘no’ when asked to serve the Lord that are legitimate – work schedule, health, and other commitments that come into play, do we sometimes say ‘no’ because our team is playing on Monday (or Thursday, or Sunday) Night Football, or because the big car/boat/gun/cooking show is in town, or our favorite TV sitcom is on when we are asked?  That is the ‘idol’ of Comfort kicking in. 

While there are conditions that prohibits public worship, especially if one has a contagious disease (please stay home if you got one); there are many who have not returned to church since the COVID pandemic, now long gone, because of the feeling of ‘Security’ within their homes, trusting the walls of the house more than the power of Jesus.  Why are churches (like MBC) having reduced attendance figures?  In part for us in Florida, it is the snowbirds that have gone home up north, but largely there are many who live here, and are still shuttered in due to the fear of catching a virus, or have simply gotten out of the ‘habit’ to attend services due to the ‘Comfort idol’ dwelling within them. 

Each of these ‘idols’ are things that can be pursued over God’s Will.  The Truth overriding each of these idols is out there – it is called the Holy Bible.  All eight (including romantic love) can be pursued through the obedience we should have through Christ.  They all may not come in the form or manner we desire or expect, but each will come through Jesus.  It does not mean we shouldn’t have money, or be successful in our jobs, or that we have to get rid of that old pair of pants that we wear all the time.  It is only that each of these things must have Jesus first, leading us to these things.  If you add to each ‘idol’ the words ‘through Jesus’ (Comfort through Jesus, Money through Jesus, etc.), then you are back on the right track.   

When I say EVERYTHING is covered under the Bible, I mean it.  Now it may not have detailed instructions to drive a stick-shift, but it does say to have Godly patience and be wise, in which learning to drive a stick-shift requires such patience and wisdom.  So, let’s take all eight idols, and match up Scriptures that cover each to convert them to Godly pursuits:

Comfort Through Jesus – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: ‘(3) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, (4) who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.’

Control/Security Through Jesus – Isaiah 41:10: ‘<God said,>“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”’

Money Through Jesus – 1 Timothy 6:10: ‘For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.’

Peer Approval Through Jesus – Psalm 1:1-2: ‘(1) Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, (2) but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.’

Success Through Jesus – 1 Samuel 18:14: ‘In everything <David> did he had great success, because the Lord was with him.’ & Luke 1:37: ‘<The angel said to Mary>, “For no word from God will ever fail.”’

Social Influence Through Jesus – 1 Peter 2:12: ‘Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.’

Political Power Through Jesus – Romans 13:1: ‘Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.’

Sex/Romantic Love Through Jesus – Matthew 6:28: ‘<Jesus said,>”But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” & Proverbs 15:17: ‘Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.’                                                                                                                           

Each of the concerns the pastors mentioned as ungodly influences do not need be ungodly if one adds ‘through Jesus’ to them, and follows God’s ‘recipe’ for each.  I picked out only one or two verses for each, but there are multiple verses throughout the Bible on each that provide a clear and concise message on how these things with God as the focus and leader in each is so much better.  As things become much worse in our society, we need to be better prepared and stronger in our Spiritual walk to demonstrate each of these (and there are even more than just these eight), ‘through Jesus’ to the secular world.

We must also accept that perhaps that day may come where our preparations aren’t enough, that our awareness that tried to warn others will fall on deaf ears, and despite our best plans we cannot overcome the circumstances that befall us.  This is where our Faith in God and our knowledge and adherence to His Word must carry us through, by obedience to Him and His Word.