American Idols

In a recent sermon, Jeff Vanderstelt discussed several signs of idolatry in our lives.  Here is a paraphrase of his discussion in the form of the five key signs he seemed to indicate.

Signs of Idolatry in our Lives:

ANXIETY / INSECURITY – Not trusting in the sovereignty of God or the sufficiency of the Gospel

DEFENSIVENESS – If you are overly defensive about anything in your life, then watch out

FAILURE – If you feel like you are a failure, because you have bought into some unbiblical standard of what you should be or do

PRIDE – Still buying into an unbiblical standard, but feeling like you are successful or doing well (both failure and pride are essentially a misunderstanding of the gospel and justification)

ADDICTION – Being controlled or led by anything other than God (even to normally good things, such as work, exercise, NFL football on Sundays, etc.)

One great determiner in the area of idolatry is to ask what you give your time and money to: How do you use your time and money?  The use of your time and money should be controlled by the gospel and the principles in Scripture.  What consumes your thoughts?  Are your thoughts focused on Christ?  Or, are you concerned the most with the next TV show you’re going to watch, the next meal you are going to eat, the next car you going to buy, the latest Hollywood gossip, the latest problem or hardship in your life, or anything other than God and the Gospel?

What is my focus?  This has been a question I have been struggling through recently.  I am so often consumed with a subtle idolatry that I am usually not even aware of, but it is still idolatry. Our entire world and understanding of reality should be based on the sovereign existence of God and the necessary, atoning sacrifice of Christ. Our lives are supposed to be evidence of the truth of the Gospel (1 Pet 2:12), and we should base how we spend our time, money, and thoughts around the fact the Christ died and resurrected (1 Pet 4:1-6).

Another good way to uncover your idols is to ask the question, What “but’s” are you buying into?  For instance, “I know the Bible says this, but…” Or, “I know that Scripture says I should be doing this, but…”  Many times, we would never openly practice idolatry or commit heresy, but we are actually doing those very things by placing a “but” after a command, principle, or precept of Scripture.  The “but’s” can be devastating to our lives, our church, and our effectiveness on mission.  

Francis Chan recently made this point clear when answering some objections to some of the possible changes Cornerstone is considering.  They are trying to refocus the church around house groups, instead of the Sunday morning experience.  People didn’t disagree according to Scripture, and they may have even liked the idea, but they just didn’t think such changes were possible in today’s current culture.  So, the comments were “That sounds good, but it will never work”, or “I like that idea, but I just don’t think I could do that.”  

I have often heard very similar things and even said them myself whenever a person, a book, or a sermon has challenged me regarding particular areas of my life.  I find myself saying “I really want to do that, but I don’t have time or I just don’t think it would work for my family.”  Usually the areas that require the most commitment or change on our part will also be met with the most “but” statements. Which begs the question, what are my priorities?  Do I want to grow in my faith and obedience?

Idolatry is when we look to something else instead of or in addition to Christ for our hope, fulfillment, purpose, or anything else reserved for God.  All of these are actually the worship of a created thing instead of the worship of the one, true, uncreated God.  How often do we worship comfort, convenience, success, money, and the opinions of people?  

What Idols commonly overtake Jesus in your life?

We were created to worship; we are ceaseless worshippers.  Idolatry is a heart matter, not a hands matter.  Martin Luther said that if you don’t break the first two commandments (Ex 20:3-6), then you won’t break any of the others.