Unlikely Idols

Idol-
1. an image or other material object representing a deity to which religious worship is addressed.
2. Bible.
a. an image of a deity other than God.
b. the deity itself.
3. any person or thing regarded with blind admiration, adoration, or devotion.
4. a mere image or semblance of something, visible but without substance, as a phantom.
5. a figment of the mind; fantasy.
6. a false conception or notion; fallacy.

Lately I have identified a few unlikely idols in my life.

The pursuit of perfection, control, acknowledgment, & knowledge.

I find myself frustrated & irritated when whatever I’m involved w/ or around aren’t as perfect as they could be.

The pursuit of control will forever elude everyone of us in some degree, but that doesn’t stop me from thirsting for the very illusion of it. I find that it’s like a hand full of sand. You can control it for a while & even manipulate it by adding water, but it will eventually slip thru your hands.

Acknowledgment can be a beautiful thing, but it has a tendency to taint our motives; Playing our political cards just right to get the most of a moment in the spotlight. I’ve even had to take time away from Twitter, Facebook, & other forms of media b/c of the onslot of self-promotion, the who’s who clubs, & everyone in their mom writing a book or recording an album. I’m actually in the long process of doing both. My gut check is not in the inspiration and opportunity for these things, it’s more about the motive. My motives struggle w/ comparing the acknowledgment that others are receiving, I could be receiving as well.

Knowledge. All the education on the planet is no substitute for wisdom. I love to read, listen, & learn. There is nothing wrong in that until there is a lust for knowledge. I have to confess that on occasion that’s what I believe happens.

Maybe the urge for control has something to do w/ all the the above. So, Father, I’m trying to trust You for who You are. Thank you for loving me for who I am and not who I should be.

Not long ago, one of my updates on Twitter said “cynicism is tiring. i’m going to try to talk less, listen more; fear less, hope more; do less, rest more; whine less, breathe more.” That’s where I am right now, I’m for tuning in.