Idols of the Heart

I am currently reading through the book "Idols of the Heart" by Elyse Fitzpatrick and studying it with 2 girls (Rebecca and Krista) from the College Group at church. Here's an excerpt from the chapter we just finished reviewing....

Our idolatrous beliefs become evident as we find ourselves habitually sinning in some particular way. If I discover, for instance, that I frequently respond in anger when criticized, then I need to consider what idolatrous thought or imagination is at the root of my anger. To do this, I should ask myself the following questions:

• What do I believe about the source of true happiness in this circumstance?
• What do I believe about God in this circumstance?
• What do I believe about myself - my rights, my goals, my desires?
• What am I trusting in?

For instance, in this case, I might answer:

What do I believe about the source of true happiness in this circumstance? I'm believing that happiness can be found only when others respect me. My belief, "I Must Be Respected," has become my god, and it produces bitter fruit for anyone who dares challenge me.

What do I believe about God in this circumstance? I'm doubting His character. I believe that if He were good He would protect me from attack. My desires (I shouldn't be criticized!) color my appraisal of Him and cause me to seek to remake Him into my image. Why, if He were really good, I think, He would make others treat me the way I want to be treated! Instead of thinking that God isn't good, perhaps I'll believe that He isn't powerful. If God were powerful, He could control how others treat me. Do you see how inportant it is to have a biblical understanding of God's character?

What do I believe about myself - my rights, my goals, my desires? I believe I have the right to be respected on the job. I think I should never be criticized.....I gnore the truth that it doesn't who approves of me or even if I approve of myself (2 Cor. 10:18). I believe that it is more important to have others' approval than God's. Could this be because others are my god?

What am I trusting in? Instead of trusting in God - that He has allowed this difficulty into my life for my good (and ultimate happiness) - I'm trusting that people have the power to make me happy. I need to see my circumstances as God's gift to open my eyes to my idolatry and free me from it. Instead of getting sinfully angry when I'm criticized, I need to rejoice in God's faithful discipline (Prov. 25:12).

** This section spoke to my heart to a degree that I'd prefer not to admit. I have begun to realize that I have made the approval of man, my idol, my god. I have been focused on what others think of me and not nearly focused enough on if I am honoring God. This is a good challenge to me. I haven't looked at my current challenges as "God's gift to open my eyes to my idolatry and free me from it". Wow.... this is a hard one to accept! This is going to take some hard work!