Deliver Me from Modern-Day Idolatry
Idolatry isn't just about physical idols; it involves anything that we prioritize over God. This could include our identity, ambitions, or possessions, which can distract us from our relationship with Jesus. However, God has given His people wisdom to cause us not to fall into the pit of idolatry.
God vs. Self
In a sermon given by Pastor Sandra L. Anderson, V1 church learned about the dangers of prioritizing anything over God. Those priorities are idols but Wisdom as described in the scriptures will help the Christian navigate life causing us to live honorably and humbly, recognizing one's true identity in Christ, and surrendering to the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength.
By reflecting on what we prioritize and derive satisfaction from more than our relationship with God, we can reveal any hidden idols, such as careers, social status, or unhealthy relationships.
The prophet Habakkuk in his book of the Bible chapter two verse 18 explores the theme of idolatry. He focuses on the futility of placing trust in man-made idols. Habakkuk emphasized that these created statues cannot speak or provide real guidance and are pointless. The comparison the is drawn to the importance of understanding God's wisdom as the apostle James speaks of.
In the book of James the earthly brother of Christ says people of God should also avoid the idol of self, stating that true wisdom is demonstrated through a life of honorable deeds and humility.
Idolatry is not just about physical idols; it is about anything that becomes more important to us than God, including our identities and relationships. "An idol is anything or anyone that becomes more important to us than God," Pastor Sandra declared.
As believers, there is great significance in self-examination regarding what we prioritize in our lives. Although no bad things on their own, placing your identity in worldly achievements—such as career status, social media followings, and material possessions will most certainly lead to a harmful abandonment of God as self becomes the main focus.
True Identity Comes in Jesus
True identity stems from our relationship with Jesus Christ, which offers freedom from societal pressures and burdens. Knowing Jesus intimately is essential for fulfilling one's purpose and identity, as He will open doors and provide guidance without the need for worldly approval. Embracing this relationship allows individuals to find true self-worth apart from what this world has to offer. Submitting to the Holy Spirit can transform your life and career, prioritizing your relationship with God over worldly achievements. Recognizing God as your provider is crucial for true satisfaction and success.
Prioritizing God over this world can lead to spiritual growth and wisdom. This will help reshape your character and relationship with God. Now if we occupy our time with technology at all times that will distract us from praying, reading scripture, and fostering our relationship with God. Many believers find themselves in spiritual stagnation. Particularly young people tend to allow society to dictate their identities through social media pressure and that also packs on stress and expectation.
People of Christ must place their identity as children of God, which is determined solely by a relationship with Jesus rather than worldly measures of success or acceptance. Everyone is fearfully and wonderfully made and that is what our identity should be based on not external validation or achievements. There is freedom in Christ. Pastor Sandra encouraged that "Identity in Christ is not based on your education, economic worth, or social status."
We should focus on nurturing a personal relationship with Jesus through prayer, reading scripture, and engaging in godly community. When we recognize that personal worth comes from being a child of God the external accomplishments and societal approval will no longer matter as much.
Wisdom Will Keep You Out of Trouble
As James shares in James 3:13-15, wisdom is essential for personal growth and making sound decisions in life. It allows individuals to understand their true selves and helps break negative cycles. Wisdom is essential for personal growth and understanding, as it provides protection and guidance. Seeking wisdom from God is necessary and it is why Jesus said He was sending His followers the Holy Spirit to be a helper.
Wisdom plays a crucial role in decision-making as it allows individuals to interpret knowledge effectively, leading to sound choices that foster personal growth and positively impact the lives of those around them. For some, Sex is an idol. Sex is a gift from God meant for marriage but society often twists this gift into a source of fixation and temptation, leading believers astray through lust and perversion.
"Wisdom will keep you out of the sexual bed," says Pastor Sandra. Phones are also potential gateways to negative influences such as pornography and lust if there is no accountability and boundaries. Psalm 101:3 encourages people of God to avoid distractions that hold no value in their spiritual journey.
Wisdom will also provide sound guidance for career aspirations and professional pursuits but too often those decisions overshadow one’s connection with God when being led by self. The Book of Proverbs, calls for committing career ambitions to the Lord to align with His plans. Reflecting on our relationship with money helps us identify if we are prioritizing wealth over faith and trust in God, ensuring that we are not allowing money to become an idol in our lives. While striving for success is not inherently wrong, it becomes problematic when it replaces trust in God's provision.
"The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil."
– 1 Timothy 6:10
How To Seek Wisdom?
When seeking wisdom in challenging times start by recognizing the areas of confusion or struggle in your life. Prayer, ask for divine guidance, study spiritual texts and seek support from mentors or spiritual leaders who can provide additional insights. Ultimately the Holy Spirit is significant in understanding spiritual matters as it acts as a guide and educator, helping believers grasp the mysteries of spiritual truths and apply them to their lives. God’s presence instills a longing for deeper knowledge and understanding, making spiritual learning a relational experience rather than just an intellectual one.
"Wisdom helps us apply knowledge," especially when feeling overwhelmed by life's decisions. Wisdom is a safeguard that can protect and guide believers through challenges, enabling them to respond how God would want rather than in their flesh. When asked for, wisdom is given freely (James 1:5-6). This insight is readily accessible to those who seek it diligently. The statement in scripture " the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge," points to the reality that there is a difference between the wise and the foolish. Those who dismiss wisdom are labeled as foolish. "Wisdom will protect you; love her and she will watch over you," Pastor Sandra maintained.
Many people lack wisdom because they have not personally surrendered which has delayed the transformation and a deeper connection with the Holy Spirit. It is important to ask God to remove all idols and distractions as we pursuit of righteousness and wisdom. If this is your struggle today, Pray this: Holy Spirit, empty me and fill me with you instead. Cause me to hunger and thirst for more of You. remove any modern-day idols in my life. Help me to identify with my true identity in Christ and fill me with your wisdom which will help me to overcome idolatry, in Jesus’ name.
About the Author
Jeannie Ortega Law is a chart-topping singer, evangelist, media personality and author from New York City. She can be reached on social media: @JeannieOrtega or emailed at Info@JeannieO.com
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