She’s the first thing I give my time and attention to in the morning and the last one I see before bed.
She goes everywhere with me; basically, attached to my hip.
She’s my shadow; following me everywhere I go, including the bathroom.
She vies for my attention; interrupting me often.
She cries out and raises her voice again if I don’t respond right away.
I respond to her every request.
She keeps me entertained.
I’ve captured many of my favorite memories with her.
She’s my 4-year-old… phone.
How have I allowed this miniature computer to dictate my every move? This is not a human life we’re talking about here! Have you ever forgotten your phone at home for the day and feel completely lost without it? I sure have. While I hate to admit it, the time spent on my phone tells me it is my greatest idol. It steals my time, attention, creativity, connections and more.
The dictionary definition of idolatry is “extreme admiration, love, or reverence for something or someone.” Richard Keyes offers another definition: an idol can be a physical object, a property, a person, an activity, a role, an institution, a hope, an image, an idea, a pleasure, a hero—anything that can substitute for God. What idols have you allowed to creep into your life? To identify possible idols, it may be helpful to evaluate where you spend your time, money and attention. Keep in mind, idols are not always obvious at first glance. Idols may even appear “good.” My childhood pastor often reminded our congregation that even a good thing can become a bad thing when it becomes a ruling thing (aka an idol).
When I reflect on the idols in my life, including my phone, I am looking for them to fill a desire that can only be met by Christ. Idols provide a short-term fix that does not satisfy for long.
“You can squeeze a few things out of an idol: temporary pleasures, comfort, money, status, or a fleeting identity. But you’ll never get supernatural, life-producing fruit. Only God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit can produce that kind of eternal meaning in our lives” -- Kelly Minter, No Other Gods
John 15 provides instruction on how to grow this life-producing fruit. In order to be fruitful, we must be pruned. Pruning can be a painful process – discovering the unhealthy parts and cutting them off. It requires sacrifice of our idols.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:1-5
John 15 continues, stating that in order to be even more fruitful, we must abide in Him. To abide in Christ means to dwell or remain. The root word of abide in Greek is menõ, which also means to wait for or await one. In this season of advent, we are waiting for the One, our Savior to be born. For Him to bring hope, peace, joy and love. My prayer is that God would use this season of advent to redirect my attention and adoration from idols to Him alone.
Adoration is defined as deep love and respect: worship! When we are set free from our idols, we are free to worship! In Exodus, the Lord tells Moses to go to Pharaoh on multiple occasions and say, “Let my people go so that they may worship me!” After experiencing great trials, the Israelites were finally freed. In Exodus 15, they sang to the Lord, praising His name in worship and celebration. Idols try to steal our praise and adoration. Paul Tripp shares in New Morning Mercies, “You must never let your enthusiasm for the gift [in this case, idols] replace your worship of and service for the Giver”.
As we approach the birthday of our Savior, we are reminded once again of the rescue that His life, death and resurrection bring and the glory He deserves! How can we revere, abide, glorify, worship and adore the King? Consider one of the following ideas or comment below with your thoughts.
Identify and sacrifice idols
Linger in His presence through the reading of His Word or prayer
Write/journal a word of praise or prayer to Him
Sing songs of praise and worship to Him
Reflect on what He’s been teaching you lately
Write, read, recite and memorize scripture
Share the hope, peace, joy and love He brings with others
ABOUT OUR BLOGGER
Danielle Kuhn is a Delaware native who enjoys all the small-town aspects of living in the heart of Kennett Square with her husband Brian.
Meaningful conversations and exploring the beauty of nature by foot fill her soul. She is passionate about connecting and encouraging other women in their faith.
One of her simplest joys in life is sipping a warm cup of tea, that has undoubtedly been reheated at least once in the microwave!