Are there idols in your life? We are not talking about small statuettes or personalities you admire, but those modern idols that God hates. Here is a way to identify them and the reason why they are so harmful.
God hates idolatry. It is the first of his ten commandments: “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.” (Exodus 20.3-4 ESV) In the Old Testament, idols were statuettes shaped in human or animal forms representing different gods. The practice of idolatry required that various offerings be left at the feet of these idols, or even that animals, or worse, children, be sacrificed to them (Ezek. 23:37). Participants hoped that this way, they would get what they wanted.
The idols have changed a bit with time, but they are still an abomination to God. What are modern idols? Everything where we invest our time and money in the hopes that it will bring us what our flesh desires. Or give us peace, joy, health, prosperity, etc. God wants to be our source, that is why He says He is jealous and that He does not want our happiness to depend on anything but Him.
For singles who are looking for a partner, the method used to find a partner could become an idol. Some people spend hours and hours on dating sites, hoping that they will get what they desire. There is nothing wrong with using dating sites (read this other article), but if this method deprives you of your time with God, or if you invest more money in it than you do to grow His kingdom, you are in danger. It is normal to feel joy if a charming person communicates with you, but your deep joy should not depend on that. Despite all the bad news, we can always be joyful through the Holy Spirit (1 Thess. 5.16). It is God who must be our main source.
My husband and I met with a single woman who believed that her only way to meet a man of God was in her local church. Outside of her church, she could not trust anyone. Her church had become her idol. Her source of joy came from her service at her church, her peace came from her good relationship with the other members of her church. God does not live in one building, He lives in the heart of His children. Our happiness must depend on Him, not on our religious affiliation. We should all belong to a spiritual family, participating and serving in a local church, but our source of well-being must remain God alone.
It is also possible that our dreams become an idol. Having goals is excellent, that is what allows us to move forward. Having a dream is also great, as long as this dream does not become our only reason for living. You can work on projects, grow personally and learn new skills, and God will totally change your destination. We must remain flexible to change and give God the ultimate control of our lives.
Again, we met a young woman who had a very precise professional dream. She had a good dose of success in everything she did to fulfill her dream, but the latter left no room for a husband. She had her life plan, and the little husband in her head had no precise function. He was supposed to be there, by her side, to love her and prepare dishes, while she was going to conquer the world. No wonder a man was never seriously interested in her! A marriage is a mutual commitment, where each partner serves the other. Having dreams is good, but they should not become a source of pride. You must be willing to leave everything to follow Christ, even the dreams that seemed to come from God – just think about Abraham (Genesis 22)!
God does not want to be one source among many others. He wants to be our ultimate source of happiness, not because He is egocentric, but for our security. Think about it: if your work is your source of joy or your spouse, the enemy knows exactly what to attack to devastate you and rob you of your joy. But if your happiness comes from God, the enemy cannot touch God: your well-being is therefore assured.
Do you want to know if you have idols? Let your great sadness teach you. If being single depresses you to the highest degree; it may be because you have made a relationship into an idol. If your happiness depends on your social status, you need to make a real adjustment. We will always experience disappointments here and there, but your heart should never be troubled (John 14: 1). If it is, take a step back and analyze your heart; perhaps there was an idol there. Immediately give God the throne of your heart, make Him your source of peace and joy.