Idols

It has taken me almost 80 years to understand a great truth.  ANYTHING can be an idol!  We are currently reading Tim Keller's book, "Counterfeit Gods."  We are reading it out loud together each evening.  All of a sudden, the everyday things that I have always taken for granted as things to make for a happy, fulfilled life, take on a whole new meaning.  I think there has been something lurking there, in the background, but it hasn't really pushed it's way forward until recently.

I have always thought big, fine expensive weddings were strange.  I have not longed for a huge house or expensive furniture.  I have not wanted to indulge myself in expensive clothes or make up.  That is not to say I don't like pretty things or fixing myself up, but there is a limit, at least in my mind.  

However, it does not matter how big or how small.  Anything that pulls you away from the Lord is an idol.  To think that anything can make you happy other than following Jesus, is an idol.  Now I am wondering why it has taken this long to finally "sink in."  Or has it?

I still get "down" when I think of family members who don't know the Lord.  I occasionally fret (just a tad) about when all this virus stuff is going to end.  I still get angry each time I hear some new, stupid thing some politician has said.  I still like pretty things.  I like to "fix" my house up.  I like to make it warm and inviting.  

John boy made the comment the other day when we were talking about this, that it doesn't say "could" you give up everything to follow Jesus.  We are called to follow Him period. The rich young ruler was told to sell everything He had and give it to the poor and come follow Him.  That's hard.  Giving my "stuff" away is hard.  Why is that?  Because all of my "stuff" has become an idol.  I worship at it daily.