No, I’m not talking about gold crosses, smells, bells, or icons of saints. I’m taking about the idolatry that is “Any time we take a GOOD thing and make it a GOD thing that’s a BAD thing”.
I was listening to a good message this morning by Mark Driscoll on Idolatry. He was speaking to pastors and church leaders but starts with some great foundation which applies to anyone who wants to follow God. You can get it here
It confirms my growing belief that the problem we face is not so much the sin and idolatry in the world, but the sin and idolatry in the church at large…. And the problem we face in our church is often not the sin and idolatry in the church people, but the sin and idolatry in ME. Can I get an Amen/Ouch to that?
For any leaders/aspiring leaders in the church, here’s a quick summary of some specific idols and related heart-questions he covers:
- Attendance: Does your joy change when attendance is up or down?
- Gift: Do you feel God needs you and uses you because you’re so skilled, thinking “God you’re so smart that you picked me and you use me because I’m a good tool in your hand”
- Truth: Do you think you’re more righteous than a simple Christian who doesn’t know or understand much. Reading books and overlooking humility.
- Fruit: Do you point to your success as evidence of God’s approval of you
- Tradition: What traditions are you upholding that are thwarting the forward progress of the gospel?
- Method: Do you worship your method as your mediator?
- Office: Are you motivated primarily by God’s glory or your title?
- Success: Is winning what motivates you at the deepest level?
- Ministry: Do you use the pressure of ministry to make you walk with God, or do you walk with God because you love him.
- Innovation: Does it matter to you that your ministry be considered unique?
- Leader: Who do you want to be like/your church to be like?
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