My Favorite Idols

We are in the middle of Lent, the season of repentance, turning away from the things of the world and towards the things of God. Always a good thing, always a very difficult thing.

I like the idea of giving up for Lent. To be clear, I like the idea of giving up, oh say, eating liver or gambling or any variety of things that I don’t do anyway. What I don’t like to think about is giving up my favorite idols.

I have several, most of them wrapped up into or closely related to my very favorite: the idol of “it’s up to me”. I am particularly fond of this idol because it is SO easy to dress up in righteousness. I can put on the hat of “I’m called to…” and rationalize all sorts of behavior. Or even better is the shawl of “I’m not called to…”. It actually fits me much better.

However, this particular idol most often tricks me into thinking that if I say “just the right words with just the right music at just the right time” I will change something or better yet someone, forever. This is a very clever disguise for “I’m in control”. Because you see, being in control is really the truth of my very favorite idol of all.

I can bring my son or daughter or other family member to a walk with God.

I can change single-handedly the conversation about racism or sexism or ageism.

I am able to show others the error of their ways.

I know how best to choose new carpet for the sanctuary.

I also believe that all the or-s in the above examples are actually and-s. See how really wonderful I am?

The truth is God is in control and it turns out I am not God. (And all God’s people said “Amen”.)

In a recent Lenten devotional, Walter Brueggemann notes that all classic evangelical sermons have three crucial theological claims:

• that we are caught in the snares of death;
• that we have been rescued by the power of God;
• that we are released to a new life of gratitude.

(A Way Other Than Our Own, Walter Brueggmann, 2017)

Note we are released to a new life of gratitude. Thankfulness. Joy. Peter exhorts us to be ready to explain our gratitude and joy:

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” – 1 Peter 3:15

Jesus, in giving the Great Commission, commanded us to go and make disciples of all nations (Mt. 28:19). Note there is nothing here about stomping our Princess shoes until people fall in line and believe. Making disciples is about explaining our joy, our life of gratitude, presenting the Good News and then walking alongside those who believe to strengthen them, and help them mature in their faith walk. Living lives of gratitude is to be the attractor, not our brilliant or incessant speech.

In fact, earlier in the Gospels, the disciples are told that if their message of the Good News is not accepted, to shake the dust from their sandals and move on. Don’t waste time on those who reject God; others who have heeded the quickening from God need you. That’s really hard when those rejecting the Good News are loved ones!

When I worship at the idol of “it’s up to me”, I do not obey any of this. I act as if I find just the right words with just the right music at just the right time, I will save people – ME!

Last I checked I am still not God. I have work to do but it is under God’s direction and authority not my own. So, do I trust God enough to obey? Do I trust God’s loving plans? Do I trust Him? Do I live as if I do?