The Golden Calf

Just got a big transcript order, and I have a homework essay that's due today.  So naturally, I'm in the mood to write a blog post. lol  ...whatever, I'll make it quick!

I've been thinking a lot about idols lately.  One of Jace's CHA notebooks was open yesterday, and I noticed pictures of Transformer toys cut out of magazines, along with a pic of a nice house.  He came over to tell me the pictures they chose were supposed to represent their "golden calf," things they really love or really want that had potential to be idols in their lives.  He said, "so for me, it's Transformers (points dramatically)... and nice houses because I love nice stuff!!"  It was super cute and hard for me not to laugh.

But in reality, all of our idols are equally ridiculous when you think about them in comparison to the healthy, vibrant, powerful relationship with the creator God of the universe that we are giving up!  It's a bowl of soup versus the birthright blessing.  The ridiculousness of the Israelites melting down their own jewelry and then worshipping something they sculpted from it is matched by the little things we allow to get in the way of our having real power in our walks with God.

For me, the current pictures would probably be junk food and fun TV shows that are way out of line with my Christian values.  I want them in a way that feels more like a need or craving.  The enemy wants me to have them too - increasingly easy access.  It's easy to view them as mostly harmless, and they will never be easy to give up.

In Kings and Chronicles, the Bible records the stories of Godly kings and wicked kings... along with several kings that were mostly good in their lives and leadership, BUT they failed to tear down the pagan shrines and idols.  The kings who chose to honor God and smash, cut down, and remove all idols -- they were able to build up new things, fortify their kingdoms, and enjoy peace and rest from their enemies.  (This post HERE describes it in more detail.)

God kept a very clear record of all of that:  He blessed those who chose to fully honor Him, and He called out the sin of those who did not, even when they were decent leaders who worshipped Him.  He also records how their choices affected the following generations.  It seemed like a small people-pleasing thing for them, but it mattered.

Getting rid of idols is sooooo much easier said than done, but I'm reminding myself today that these little things that I work so hard to convince myself don't really matter -- they DO matter to God.  He sees. He knows. He cares.  It's mediocrity versus excellence.  It's living with God's anointing versus living without it.  I understand that I am saved and going to heaven either way, but my earthly future can be good-ish with loads of little compromises, or it can be filled with a radiant, God-given authority and peace.  My legacy can be "she lived a meaningful life that honored God and changed the lives of so many others" or "she was nice."  It's my choice.  And it matters.  And I need to remember that!

May you flee from idolatry...

and may the Lord give you rest from your enemies!