I have a problem; I don't want to miss out on things. I will run myself ragged doing things simply because I think I will miss something if I don't. I've had this problem as long as I can remember, but now it's beginning to take its toll on me. I'm not sure what name you would give it, but I'm pretty sure it has become an idol in my life. Hanging out with friends, facebook, texting, email...they are all things I look to to feel included, accepted, and loved. The irony is that I often find myself doing or saying something that makes me feel completely stupid. The Lord has been talking to me about this for a few weeks now but I've been pushing it aside; maybe it's time I start listening.
The second point from Bob's sermon Sunday was "Unmask the idols of your Heart." Our idols will tell us lies in order to keep us from exposing them. One of those lies is that if I say no to my idol, I will be all alone, Christ won't show up, and He won't be sufficient for me. Basically, my idols mock Christ's sufficiency. Another lie is that it will feel like death, or I will be miserable, if I say no to my idol/s. I am promised that I will actually become more alive and more free than ever before but I'm not sure I really believe that one yet.
Tonight, I decided to take the first step in unmasking that idol I mentioned earlier. Well, that's not exactly true. I wish I could say that I made that decision, but I was so worn out that I just couldn't bring myself to take part in the plans for the night. You know what? I survived! It didn't kill me and I actually enjoyed it (I think it helped that my roommate was home). It wasn't an exciting night, but it was a good one. I watched Big Brother, read my Bible and Steph and I went to Publix.
Here is one of the verses that I read tonight: "The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply." Ps. 16:4
I guess God is serious about us not having other gods before Him, and He is faithful to show us those things which we do place before Him. The bottom line is that Christ is all I need, anything else is just icing. I wish it were as easy to believe as it is to say. This advise is for me and for my friend who is still looking for the hope in all of this: continue preaching His promises to yourself and being obedient, and eventually the head knowledge will turn to heart knowledge.
Repent, Believe and FIGHT!
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ME TOO...ditto on everything you just wrote. Seriously...are you inside me heart?? Being liked by people, not missing out has always been something I struggle with too. I just have to tell myself that it's going to be ok b/c my identity doesn't lie in any of that stuff!!
ReplyDeleteI try to remember-everything in moderation (Being within reasonable limits; not excessive or extreme). I am sometimes on the opposite end of that spectrum because I love to be left alone (that sounds bad). Being alone does give you time to focus on God, reflect, and center yourself. However, you do have to give some of your time to others and recognize how you bless the lives of those around you. I think we can all work on finding the middle ground that allows us to give Jesus all that he deserves of us and still find a few minutes for our friends and families :)
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