“Jesus said he came to set the captives free. He came to liberate us from bondage. This explains why God is so passionate about smashing our idols. So what are you trusting in, other than Jesus, to gain acceptance or approval, to experience security and significance, to find meaning and purpose, to discover identity and direction?

I know you understand that this idolatry we’re desperately endangered by isn’t merely bowing down to some engraved wooden or stone statue, like in ancient times, or in some back jungle heathen culture. And yet the biblical bottom line concerning that very form of false-god worship is the same as for our own sophisticated, twenty-first-century idolatry.

Here’s the bottom line: God announces to all such idols. “Behold, you are nothing, and your work is less than nothing” (Isa.41:24). He declares this about idols: “Behold, they are all a delusion” (41:29). They “do not profit” (44:9).” 

Jesus+Nothing=Everything  by Tullian Tchividjian, page41&42

As I read these words I saw two idols that seem to rear their ugly heads in my heart. .. Acceptance and approval.  As I recognize the idols in my heart I need to answer honestly this question from Paul Tripp:
“How is your present disappointment, discouragement, or grief a window on what has actually captured your heart?” 

Tullian continues, ” ….your pain right now could be God prying open your life and heart in order to remove a gift of his that you’ve been holding onto more dearly than him”.

God has gifted me over the years with a loving husband, two kids, extended family and some really great friends. It is easy to let these human relationships take place of the ONE relationship I need. Sometimes we do need “Jesus with skin on”, but sometimes they become more than they were meant to be. So, when “Jesus with skin on” hurts me, leaves me, does me wrong…then what?

Idols of our own making never benefit us. It is a challenge but we need to keep our relationships in perspective and we need to make sure that only one relationship has it’s rightful place in our hearts! Since we find our approval and acceptance in many of our relationships it will serve us well to find and know our identity, acceptance and approval come from Jesus. So, maybe He needs to smash some idols?

Blessings,
Kathy

Kathy’s on staff at America’s KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 27 years.  They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and has taught Sunday School and Bible Studies for women. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.