February 24, 2009
Definition of an Idol
Posted by JRL
“To whatever we look for any good thing and for refuge in every need, that is what is meant by ‘god.’ To have a god is nothing else than to trust and believe in him from the heart.... To whatever you give your heart and entrust your being, that, I say, is really your god.” - Martin Luther
This past Saturday I did some training with the OD elects. OD stands for Ordained Deacon. One area I covered was the area of conflict. In one of the best books on peacemaking and dealing with conflict is The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict. Author, Ken Sande, talks about the progression of an idol. [For more info about the Peacemaker Ministry go here.]
I Desire - Conflict always begins with some kind of desire. Some good, some bad. An unmet desire.
I Demand – I want becomes “I must have”
I Judge - When fail to satisfy our desires and live up to our expectations, we criticize and condemn in our hearts if not with our words.
I Punish - Idols always demand sacrifices. Sharp words, withdrawl, etc.
One of the OD elects says that they enjoy conflict. Or, that conflict is good. What do you think? What is your initial thought?
This person’s point is that getting things on the table for an open and honest discussion is good. And I agree with that.
There is a point when conflict can be destructive. And it is when our wants become a “must have,” and at that point we most likely have an idol in our life.
If we do actually have an idol, what should we do?
Well, let me ask you. What is the appropriate response to an idol in our lives?
I leave you with that question. Ponder it. Ask God for his wisdom. Ask him to point out any idols you may have. (Most likely we all have at least one and probably more. What should we do with them?)
Comments
I don’t know if conflict is a good point. It definitely depends on how you look at it and what other circumstances or opportunities are available to resolve the desire that causes the conflict.
In regards to an appropriate response to an idol in our lives, I think ultimately, it comes to trusting and putting God above all else. While the idol in your life may satisfy you for a time, it is temporary and it will fade away. Only God really stands the test of time, and really is the only constant in your life that never leaves.
Posted by youngnakker on February 25, 2009
I think a lot of people don’t realize that there is an idol in their life. The first, like any addict could tell you, would be to recognize the problem.
Posted by youngnakker on February 25, 2009
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