The Bible study my friend Kim and I have gone through together this semester has taken a little longer than expected. We should really be finished, but, alas, we are not. We are almost there! It has been painful and wonderful at the same time.
Painful because with every verse of scripture it is like God is taking a scalpel and removing a tumor that was taking over my heart. Wonderful because the peace that comes from knowing freedom and healing are coming as a result of that spiritual surgery.
The Bible is full of stories of how people in ancient times would create idols, serve them and bow down to them. We see God's anger as a result of that worship. He describes Himself as "jealous". At first glance this description may make God seem immature and petty, but that is what happens when we see scripture through our blurry and sinful eyes.
Is it wrong for a husband to be jealous when his wife is attracted to another man? No. He has every right to be angry and feel jealousy and to hold his wife accountable to it.
Praise God He is jealous because it is out of that passionate emotion He fights FOR us! He rescues us and restores us to a right relationship with Him!
You might be wondering, "What in the world are you talking about? I don't bow down to idols."
Yes, we all do.
John Calvin said, "The human heart is a factory of idols...every one of us..."
Timothy Keller challenges us to evaluate where our thoughts, money, and time naturally flow and this can be a good indication of our personal idols. This line of thinking may lead you to objects, careers, talents, or even people.
I'd encourage you to spend some time thinking about that.
I'd also encourage you to think about how faithful those idols have been to you. Do they disappoint you? Have you ever been dissatisfied or even betrayed by this idol? Are they freeing or do they bring a burden upon you?
There is only One true God who satisfies, brings freedom and whose name is "Faithful and True".
My friend Kim wrote a beautiful post on her blog about her struggles with perfection. You should go check it out: http://alifetransparent.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-idol-worship-ideal-me.html
---
A little something extra...and very thought provoking.
No comments:
Post a Comment