Journey of a Thousand Miles

“Life only has meaning/I only have worth if… I have power and influence over others.” (Power Idolatry) I am loved and respected by _____.” (Approval Idolatry) I have this kind of pleasure experience, a particular quality of life.” (Comfort idolatry) I am able to get mastery over my life in the area of _____.” (Control idolatry) people are dependent on me and need me.” (Helping Idolatry) someone is there to protect me and keep me safe.” (Dependence idolatry) I am completely free from obligations or responsibilities to take care of someone.” (Independence idolatry) I am highly productive and getting a lot done.” (Work idolatry) I am being recognized for my accomplishments, and I am excelling in my work.” (Achievement idolatry) I have a certain level of wealth, financial freedom, and very nice possessions.” (Materialism idolatry) I am adhering to my religion’s moral codes and accomplished in its activities.” (Religion idolatry) This one person is in my life and happy to be t...

I don't know if you've ever read the book "Counterfeit Gods" by Tim Keller, but you should. Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book: The human heart is an idol factory. We take good things like a successful career, love, material possessions, even family, and turn them into ultimate things. Our hearts deify them as the center of our lives because we think they can give us significance and security, safety and fulfillment, if we attain them. The very things upon which these people were building all their happiness turned to dust in the hands because they had built all their happiness upon them. An idol is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give. If anything becomes more fundamental than God to your happiness, meaning in life, and identity, then it is an idol. An idol is whatever you look at and say in your heart of hearts, ...