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The Rise and Fall of Janet's Idol: A Journey Through Fear and Redemption

Writer: Dwight SchettlerDwight Schettler
4 hours ago3 min read

What is sacrificed to the idols in our hearts?

Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 2 - Repent Before God, Question 23, p. 35

Janet had always been a diligent and hardworking employee. She had dedicated years of her life to the company, believing that her steadfast commitment would eventually be rewarded with a promotion. Her idol, the promotion, embodied not just a higher position, but also the financial security and recognition she so deeply desired.


Fear and Desire

Janet's journey began with fear and desire, a powerful combination that often drives us to pursue our idols. Her fear was rooted in the thought of being undervalued and overlooked perpetually. She desired recognition, financial stability, and the status that came with a higher position. This desire was not inherently wrong; it was, in fact, a natural inclination to strive for betterment and growth. Frankly, these are gifts of God! However, when this desire morphed into an idol, it began to overshadow her better judgment.


Demand

The fear and desire soon transformed into a demand. Janet's heart turned her aspiration into an expectation that she felt entitled to. She believed that her long years of service and dedication warranted the promotion.


Unmet Expectations

However, when she learned that two of her co-workers had also applied for the same position, her expectations were suddenly threatened. The fear of unmet expectations gnawed at her, and she felt an urgency to ensure her success by any means necessary.


Frustration

Janet's unmet expectations led to frustration, a common reaction when our idols face opposition. Instead of channeling her frustration constructively, Janet resorted to sinful actions.


Judge

Janet judged her coworkers as a threat to her promotion and to the opportunity to be more financially secure.


Punish

Desperation clouded her judgment, and she decided to spread false rumors about her co-workers, hoping to tarnish their reputations (in essence punishing them for their applying for the same job) and improve her chances of getting the job. This was a clear departure from her principles, driven by the overwhelming demand she had placed on her idol.


Idolatry ends in Destruction or Death

The development of Janet's idol ended in destruction, as it often does when left unchecked. Janet's employer soon discovered that the rumors she had spread were false. Not only did Janet fail to secure the promotion, but she was also terminated for her lack of integrity. This was severe, but it was a direct consequence of her actions. Her idol, which she had placed so much hope and trust in, led her to a path of deceit and ultimately to her downfall. The idol she worshiped—her promotion—did not bring her the fulfillment she sought. Instead, it led to the loss of her job and her reputation. However, this story does not end in hopelessness.


Redemption and Forgiveness

Despite Janet's fall into idolatry, there is a path to redemption. God's forgiveness is boundless and ever-present. Janet's actions, though severely misguided, are not beyond the reach of God's grace. This anecdote serves as a powerful reminder that while our idols may lead us astray, we can always find solace and redemption through genuine repentance and God's unwavering forgiveness.

 

In the face of our daily struggle with idolatry, we remember the promise of forgiveness found in 1 John 1:9 that states: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This offers a beacon of hope, reminding us that genuine repentance can lead to God’s forgiveness and a fresh start.


 

This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:

 
 
 

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