(Photo by Annie Spratt)
Author: Elsie R
Many people think idols are just only statues or something handmade being worshiped. Even though statues are idols, many other things can also be idols. Idols can be anything that takes up the place of God in your life. Examples are your heart, mind, time, and effort.
One thing I wasn't aware of was that comfort can be an idol. I had a period in my life where whenever I had an issue, I would tell God and also tell a really close friend of mine. I chose to tell this close friend of mine pretty much everything because this person made me feel safe, just like God did. They saw in ways that only God did, and they gave me comfort. (At this point in my life, I was looking for physical comfort). This person was like my physical comfort, and God was my spiritual comfort. (Sad to say, but in my mind, these two people were on the same pedal stool for me).
It reached a point where most of my thoughts and efforts were being made about this person, and every time I didn't spend at least a little moment with this person, my day would feel off. I realized that I was idolizing the comfort that this individual was giving me, and instead of seeking God only, I was also seeking them.
Side Note: There is nothing wrong with having a friend as a safe place, but don't make them your only place to go to. Only God can give you that comfort that you crave and long for (2 Corinthians 1:4 - "Who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.")
Colossians 3:5- "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you; sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desires, and covetousness which is idolatry."
So I had to put to death the earthly desires that were in me. That desire to be comforted more by others than God had to go.
Question: What is taking up so much of your time, thoughts, effort, and/ or money other than God?
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