Confessions of a Reformed Idolater

Hi my name is Val and I’m an idolater.

Yes, I admit that I have problems with idol worship. No not the "American Idol" kind but the worst kind of idolatry, self worship!

God gave us very specific instructions about who or what we are to worship. An idol is anything that is a substitute for God. He will accept no rivals for His position in our lives, whether from false religions or from otherwise good things, such as family, money, or fame, which may usurp his preeminent place in our devotion.

But I find that I am narcissistic at my core. It’s all about me and often I replace God as the center of my worship and life. In fact a friend of mine at IWS and I were discussing the new trinity that often usurps God in our lives. Oh, you want to know the new trinity? Me, Myself & I

Unlike believers during Biblical times, we American believers no longer make physical idols (unless you count your house, cottage, sports car, boat, snowmobile, etc.). I tend to make idols out of my job, my people, my things, and especially ME.

Exodus 20:2-6 (NIV) says:
2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
3 “You shall have no other gods before (or “beside”)  me.
4 “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

There are a couple of thoughts about this passage that I find significant. First, the word “you” in verse 3 is singular so it means individually you or me. Second the passage says if you want to be connected with the Numinous you can’t bring other things or persons with you into the Presence. You must come alone and empty handed.

You see, this isn’t saying that we don’t love other things – such as our spouse… kids… friends… jobs… our hobbies, or even that we love them any less. But rather, Scripture is saying that we love all these other things… through the lens of our relationship with the living God!In other words, we let our relationship with God… influence everything else that we do. That’s #1!You shall have no other gods before me!

God please forgive me for the times that I’ve put my way and me first. May Your will and Your way be done on earth (especially in my heart and life) as it is in heaven!

Amen and amen

Dr. Val