Starting as a teenager, I have seen an obvious tendency in my own life toward idolatry. No, I've never set up an image and bowed down to it; I've never placed food out for some tangible or intangible idol, but I have worshipped in the temple of my heart images other than God.
Some may think I'm overreacting. The USA is quite liberal in her use of the term idol, with such shows as American Idol. Is all this wrong?
It's all about the heart. God has used symbols, He has used practices, He has used music, He has used wide varieties of things in the past that people still use, but with which we break His heart. Why? Because of our hearts.
In the midst of God's use of the sacrificial system to point to Jesus as the Lamb to come and take away our sin, the Psalmist wrote,
"In sacrifice and offering You have not delighted, but You have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering You have not required. Then I said, 'Behold, I have come...I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.'" Psalm 40:6-8
The psalm had a broader reference than just the Psalmist, but I believe it was the reflection of God's true desire. He wants our heart. Yes, He wants obedience, but not just the outward display. He wants an obedience that flows out of love.
What started me thinking on this was a quote of Augustine's that a friend of mine posted this week: "He loves Thee too little who loves anything together with Thee, which he loves not for Thy sake."
Augustine cut at the heart of my struggle. It's not that I replace God, in my own thinking, but that I place another person, idea, priority on the same level. I may pray and spend time with God. Then realize this other god is vying for thoughts and emotions. These times prove to me that I love Him "too little."
I need to learn a love of God that is supreme above other loves, to learn to love everyone--family, friends, etc--FOR THE SAKE of Christ and not the perceived merits of that person.
My mental preacher tells me how things should be, but mind over emotions is tiring.
So, what about you? What is it that distracts you from loving God with all your heart? Is it your own ambitions? Someone else? Dreams? Disappointments? Fears?
Unfortunately, none of us are immune from the struggle. Fortunately, we can have victory.
After reading your blog, I was struck by the third stanza in an old hymn entitled, "O For A Closer Walk With God" that touches on this same theme; "The dearest idol I have known, Whate'er that idol be, Help me to tear it from Thy throne, And worship only Thee." That is the heart of all true worship. Thanks for reminding me of that. I was blessed. Love you, Dad
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