In Pursuit of Idols?

“Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have

mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but

do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not

feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in

their throat. Those who make them become like them;

so do all who trust in them” (Psalm 115:4-8).

One of the things I am learning about people in general (including myself) is that we become what we pursue. The Psalmist understood that quite well, hence the passage cited above. In this passage, the Psalmist lamented the many ways in which the people of his day created and pursued idols, what he called “the work of human hands.” In a devastating fashion, he made it a point to list the foolishness of setting up idols that can never speak, see, hear, smell, feel, or walk. In other words, their idols were worthless, utterly unable to bring deep and lasting pleasure to those who pursue them. And even worse, those who pursue them become unable to do any of the things the Psalmist listed.

Can you see how this leads to a question each of us must consider? The question is this: “What idols have you set up in your life?” And further, can you see how you are becoming like them?

We live in a culture that craves idols of one sort or another. I’m convinced that God has created us to worship something. Yet are any of the idols we create or worship able to bring us true joy or lasting happiness. I think you know the answer to that. And further, can you see how our quest for idols makes us shallow and exhausted as we pursue such worthless things?

In sharp contrast, the pursuit of God’s things, his word, his person, his people, his grace and prayer serve to make us more like him. In other words, becoming what we pursue works both ways, both for good and for bad.

Let me suggest something that might prove helpful as you examine whether you have established idols in your life. Ask yourself this question: “How do I spend my time, and what am I pursuing?” This is a practical as well as a heart exercise. How we spend our time and resources is a good barometer of what we worship. Further, what motivates us at a heart level likewise reveals what we worship.

If your time is spent pursuing worthless things, or if what motivates you is shallow and fleeting, be aware that over time you will become worthless and shallow as well. Those are strong words. Nonetheless, the psalmist made it clear that the pursuit of worthless things renders us worthless as well. By God’s grace, I don’t want to become shallow and worthless. How about you?