American Idols

Over the last several weeks as a church we have been taking an up close look at idols that we are prone to worship, especially living in 21st century America.

First, we talked about the idol of success. Sadly, many of us spend a good portion of our lives doing whatever it takes to make it to the next rung of the proverbial ladder of life. We are trained to believe that the grass is always greener just one rung up...so we work overtime, get additional degrees, spend time away from the family, cut corners, compromise integrity...whatever it takes to make it to the next rung. The problem with this scenario is that there is always going to be 'one rung higher', so the pursuit is a futile. As a follower of Jesus our purpose in life is not about climbing one rung higher, we are called to come down from the ladder and serve the least and the lost.

Next, we talked about the idol of vanity. From an early age we are wired to be consumed/obsessed with external appearance. For many people what they see in the mirror is what determines their value and worth. What they see in the mirror dictates the direction and purpose for their lives. The mirror seduces us into believe the 'little more' lie. Take an inventory of the thoughts that go through your mind when you are standing in front of a mirror and if the truth is told many of them begin with 'If only I were a little more...' If only I were a little more petite. If only I were a little more muscular. If only my complexion was a little more clear. If only I were a little more... Everyone can fill in the blanks, but we are all prone to believe 'If only I was a little more, then I would be happy/content/satisfied.' The 'little more' lie is so deceptive because a 'little more' seems so achievable. However, just like tomorrow never comes a little more is never enough when it comes to vanity. We would be more content/stable/satisfied if we spent less time standing in front of the mirror of vanity and more time gazing into the mirror of the Bible.

Last, we discussed the idol of sex. All other idols stand in the shadow of the idol of sex. US News and World Reports states that over 8 billion dollars a year are spent on pornographic material in the United States alone. Sex, which was originally a fine gift of God, has become a cheap substitute for God. Everywhere you look in our culture you will see the devastating effects that the obsession with sex has had on individuals/couples/families.

My hope is that after our honest discussion about sexual sin today that men and women will decide to seek help to conquer their addictions and struggles. If you have or are currently struggling with a pornographic addiction I encourage you to check out xxxchurch.com When you are typing that in the computer be sure you do so accurately.

May we be a generation who will bow down and worship God and God alone.