Idolatry

Thinking about idolatry. Several things have been serving as a stimulus to this train of thought. It's so easy to box idolatry into an "easy to avoid" category - lumping it into thoughts only associated with Hindus and little statues of Buddha. It's so much more prevalent than this - certainly more prevalent in my own life than I would like to imagine.

Andy introduced us to a song called "Clear the Stage" by a guy named Ross King that is beyond powerful. Some of the lyrics say:

"Anything I put before my God is an idol.
Anything I want with all my heart is an idol.
Anything I can't stop thinking of is an idol.
Anything that I give all my love is an idol.
We must not worship something that's not even worth it.
Clear the stage and make some space for the one who deserves it."

Huh? Anything I want can be an idol? Anything I love can be an idol? What I think about can be an idol? But those things seem harmless, right? Well - possible, until we compare how hard Jesus has to fight these things for our (MY!) attention!

The ongoing emotional rollercoaster that is Kim's life is another reminder. I feel incredibly sorry for her, as to what has happened in the past - losing William, Phillip. That being said, I am at the point of frustration regarding how she is handling her current singleness. She is miserable. That, I do understand - I would be too. But instead of pouring that misery into drawing near to God, finding new ministry opportunities, making new friendships - she seems to just wallow in the loneliness and pine for Roger. I like Roger - I really do! I would love nothing better than to see them end up together. But for the present, Roger is NOT God's will for her. How can I be certain? Because he is not walking with God. Period. Not attending church - not learning to be her spiritual leader. God does not want us to be unequally yoked and right now, there is no fruit in Roger's life. I believe his conversion was real and I believe that God will work out the issue of sanctification. But until that occurs, Roger is off-limits. Skip told her that if her friendship with Roger isn't bringing her closer to God, then it is pulling her away from God.

Secondly, women shouldn't chase men. I think she is doing a little better in this, but her tendency is definitely to try to manipulate circumstances.

Thirdly, we should not obsess over any person - spouse/love interest. God is our first priority. Or at least, he is supposed to be.

Tonight I tried to challenge her a little to refocus her focus. You could tell she wanted no part of that. Quick "I knows" - brush offs - told me that she wasn't interested in being called to look at the fullness of her life, not the emptiness - but that she was only interested in telling me WHY she is constantly lonely. Again - I know she is lonely - I know I would be lonely, but I hope that someone would (at some point!) call me to a higher standard.

Maybe it's my mom coming out in me. Or maybe it's just time to "take every thought captive." Man, what would the world think if we really hid the Word in our heart and allowed our Christianity to make us overcomers and victorious over our emotions.

I should go now and start working on my memorization......