Everyday Distractions

I recently heard a message that hit me deeply. The individual didn't call it distractions but hidden idols of the heart. At the end of the message, a list was given of possible idols that override our fulfillment in Christ and are the root of our cultures obsession of self destruction and empty fulfillment.

A few years ago, I would have heard the same message and I would have had an attitude of, "Maybe I have 2 or 3 distractions..." Not the case today. Both my husband and I nearly checked off every category. And as humbling as it was, it was freeing. Right in front of my face, I was seeing how muddy my heart is without the work of Jesus in my soul everyday. The fact that my Redeemer is able to give me freedom when I fight flesh everyday is a miracle in it self.

I was reminded how often throughout my day, I short change my freedom - from chasing distractions that I don't even recognize as distractions. I would have been able to tell you shopping is a great distraction for me...but I quickly would have stopped. Not the case today.

I hope the list below can enlighten your heart as it did for me. This week I put it on my bulletin so I remember each day who I should be pursuing and where I should be going for soul fulfillment; The Glory of God and not empty distractions.

From the individual: "Life has meaning for me or I have self worth when I pursue:

Achievement Idolatry (If I am being recognized for my accomplishments and excelling in life pursuits)

Approval Idolatry (If I am loved and respected by others)

Comfort Idolatry (If I have a particular standard or quality of life)

Control Idolatry ( If I have a mastery over my life in particular areas)

Dependence Idolatry (If someone is there to protect me)

Family Idolatry (If my kids or spouse is happy and happy with me)

Helping Idolatry (If people are dependent on me and need me)

Image Idolatry (If I have a particular look or body image)

Independence Idolatry ( If I am completely Free from responsibility to care for others)

Materialism Idolatry (If I have a certain level of wealth)

Pleasure Idolatry (If I have something fun and entertaining to look forward to in the future)

Power Idolatry (If I have power and influence over others)

Religious Idolatry ( If I am adhering to my religions moral code)

Work Idolatry ( If I am highly productive by getting a lot of accomplished)
(more on this list visit: www.perimeter.org/pope)

Jesus never lived by these idols. His passion was to share the gospel -the good news - at the expense of many of these recognizable idols that today are widely acceptable and bigger yet, are widely prized.

Some of these idols in the right perspective are healthy, of course it is a noble to want to influence others, have people around you that protect you, etc. However, it is when these idols are absent from your life and your happiness is dependent upon them - that is when you know you have crossed the line of taking care of your soul and are serving an idol bigger that our Creator.

There are way to many days I am dependent upon many of these idols for my day to be called a 'good day'. Ah. Life is humbling, but oh so freeing!!