How do idols develop?
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 2 - Repent Before God, p. 33-34
An idol can begin with a godly fear, desire, or trust. But
once we demand what we want, it begins to develop into a full-blown
idol. We slide down a slippery slope, moving from desire to demand.
When expectations are not met, our frustration increases and we judge
those who will not give us what we want. If they continue to refuse us,
we punish them.
The devil promises good things (i.e., happiness, satisfaction, safety,
success, fame, special knowledge, etc.) if we turn our devotion away
from God and devote ourselves to the idols of our hearts. But this is a great deception!
If left unchecked, idolatry results in destruction or death of the idol and/or the person worshipping it. In other words, idolatry leads to death. Notice how James describes this progression: “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (James 1:14-15).
For example, consider the eventual results of a drug addict not giving up his cravings – loss of friends and family, loss of self-respect, loss of health . . . If he never gives up his craving for drugs, he will eventually lose his life. The use of the drug promised great feelings and freedom. In the end, however, it results in death.
Not everyone is a drug addict! But our own idols can lead to similar results.
As an idol develops in our heart, we follow a predictable pattern:
Fear, Desire or Trust - this is often a godly inclination
Demand - we sinfully turn that initial inclination into a demand in our hearts
Unmet Expectations
Frustrations
Judge
Punish
This development ends, if left unchecked, in destruction or death of the idol or the person worshiping it.
In the midst of our struggles with idolatry and the shadows it casts upon our hearts, we find a beacon of hope in the promise given in 1 John 1:7b: "the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." This profound assurance reminds us that even in our moments of faltering and turning away, Christ's sacrifice and His Easter victory is sufficient to cleanse us completely. As we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we can hold fast to the promise that His love and grace are powerful enough to break the chains of our idols, restoring us to a place of purity and wholeness in His sight. Let this truth fill us with unwavering hope, knowing that through Jesus, we are continually renewed and redeemed.
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