The idea for this week's challenge came to me by way of a short blurb from my (Kim) church's bulletin, titled "Me, Worship Idols?" The paragraph in the bulletin was from a book by Ed Welch, The Journal of Biblical Counseling in a section that deals with addictions. (I want to note that although this section from Mr. Welch's book is dealing with addictions, my goal is to focus more on how we create idols of the heart that may not be as outwardly noticeable).
"One of the most common portrayals of the human condition, and one which captures both the in-control and out-of-control experiences of addictions, is the theme of idolatry. From this perspective, the true nature of all addictions is that we have chosen to go outside the boundaries of the kingdom of God and look for blessing in the land of idols. In turning to idols, we are saying that we desire something in creation more than we desire the Creator. This sounds like strange language to Western ears, but idolatry is perhaps the most dominant image in Scripture and it abounds in potential applications. Did you ever notice how many Biblical stories could be summarized with these questions? Who will you worship? The Creator or the created thing? God or man? The Divine King or worthless idols? The basic story line of the Old Testament is about people who find idolatry irresistible. Then God, ultimately through Jesus, comes to rescue His people out of their enslaving practices."
One of the things that struck me from this writing is that I too frequently struggle with idolizing my work, keeping a schedule, or something I deem, based on my actions, as more important than Christ. When I get very busy, I have a tendency to have a "just a minute" attitude towards God. Thinking, "I'll pray and read just as soon as I finish this thing" and of course more and more things come into my day but I too often fail to make time to spend with God. And isn't that a form of idolatry? It reminds me of the text in Matthew 26:16, "for what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his sown soul." At the end of the day, although God, through His providence, may bring many distractions into our lives, is anything as important as Christ?
The good, or should I say great news, is that Christ came into the world to break the power of sin, to enable us to do those things that we're unable to do on our own, if we would simply seek Him in repentance and faith.
If you feel lead to create something based on this week's topic, please leave us a comment with a link back to your blog or gallery. We'd love to share in your creation!!
And before I leave, I wanted to mention that one of our dear design team members, Mona, has decided to step down. We have been delighted to have gotten to know Mona and to see all of her beautiful creations. We'll miss you Mona!!
"One of the most common portrayals of the human condition, and one which captures both the in-control and out-of-control experiences of addictions, is the theme of idolatry. From this perspective, the true nature of all addictions is that we have chosen to go outside the boundaries of the kingdom of God and look for blessing in the land of idols. In turning to idols, we are saying that we desire something in creation more than we desire the Creator. This sounds like strange language to Western ears, but idolatry is perhaps the most dominant image in Scripture and it abounds in potential applications. Did you ever notice how many Biblical stories could be summarized with these questions? Who will you worship? The Creator or the created thing? God or man? The Divine King or worthless idols? The basic story line of the Old Testament is about people who find idolatry irresistible. Then God, ultimately through Jesus, comes to rescue His people out of their enslaving practices."
One of the things that struck me from this writing is that I too frequently struggle with idolizing my work, keeping a schedule, or something I deem, based on my actions, as more important than Christ. When I get very busy, I have a tendency to have a "just a minute" attitude towards God. Thinking, "I'll pray and read just as soon as I finish this thing" and of course more and more things come into my day but I too often fail to make time to spend with God. And isn't that a form of idolatry? It reminds me of the text in Matthew 26:16, "for what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his sown soul." At the end of the day, although God, through His providence, may bring many distractions into our lives, is anything as important as Christ?
The good, or should I say great news, is that Christ came into the world to break the power of sin, to enable us to do those things that we're unable to do on our own, if we would simply seek Him in repentance and faith.
If you feel lead to create something based on this week's topic, please leave us a comment with a link back to your blog or gallery. We'd love to share in your creation!!
And before I leave, I wanted to mention that one of our dear design team members, Mona, has decided to step down. We have been delighted to have gotten to know Mona and to see all of her beautiful creations. We'll miss you Mona!!
Lastly, I wanted to thank our participants from our last challenge on prayer, Fiona and Martha. Thank you ladies for joining us!!
Julie
Tanis
Pauline
Ruth
Stacy
4 comments:
I find it interesting that you claim your crafting as a form of idolatry and then invite others to join you in a similar form of idolatry. I agree the purchasing of supplies can become a bit of an idolatrous situation - always chasing the latest styles and I have had to pull back on that.
I see crafting as a way to pray. Following the example of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. I am almost always alone with my thoughts as I create. I can talk with God as I apply ink to paper or manipulate layers. I am a card maker so my work moves beyond my home, at least that's the hope.
When both my crafting and my spirit life became stagnant and I developed this prayer and it has helped both. Hope this helps someone else.
God guide my heart, mind and hands that I may create something that brings you glory and honor. I pray that those who see this work find joy in it and those who receive it are blessed by you.
I ask this though Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Great contributions girls - mine has bizarrely disappeared despite me uploading it after hazels last night! Will add it when - get back home.
Awesome devotional., as I was reading I did think of crafting for my own personal life how it can be idolatry, because our focus and mind is on the next big thing you want the viewing blogs all day ;)
But thankful to God that he shows us how to have boundaries, and put him first before anything.
Great post today
I have just "stumbled across" your wonderful blog!! :) I LOVE what you guys are doing here and plan to visit frequently, and hopefully create along with you - GREAT topics and devotionals!! ... Speaking TRUTH to us all! Thank you!!! :)
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