Na: C.J. Mahaney "Draw Near to Idolatry" by Suzanne Hadley Gosselin on 05/28/2007 at 9:16 AM

When C.J. spoke on "the Idol Factory," which is our hearts, he reminded us that, unchecked, our hearts will regularly create idols. I was a little shocked when he said, "Draw near to idolatry." But his point was that idolatry is something the modern Christian does not identify with. This is dangerous, since idolatry is the most talked about, and heavily condemned, sin in Scripture.

How can identify idolatry and root it out of his life? C.J. suggested inviting the careful critique of those in the Christian community, whom we trust. We may be oblivious to something that is obvious to them. "Initiate, invite, detect," he challenged. This exhortation reminded me of an article I wrote called "My Ugly Blind Spot." Idolatry has the potential to be the ugliest of blind spots.

Proverbs 27:5-6 is a good example: "Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses."

Those who love you are the best to offer critique. To avoid living with glaring blind spots, regularly ask those you trust to give insight into your life and point out areas that need improvement.

Discerning what has taken the place of Jesus in our hearts requires the Holy Spirit and the imput of godly friends. Drawing near to idolatry — in order to root it out — requires community and an openness to change. And there is hope for those of us who detect idols in our hearts.

It hurts to be confronted with my ugliness. But as I've discovered, these painful moments can also be a catalyst for change. I'll never be a truly nice person. I suspect I'll still give "the look" in moments of weakness. But as I deal with blind spots, and as I continue inviting loved ones to help me better see those blind spots, I can be confident that I'll come out looking more like Christ.

Na: C.J. Mahaney "Draw Near to Idolatry" by Suzanne Hadley Gosselin on 05/28/2007 at 9:16 AM

When C.J. spoke on "the Idol Factory," which is our hearts, he reminded us that, unchecked, our hearts will regularly create idols. I was a little shocked when he said, "Draw near to idolatry." But his point was that idolatry is something the modern Christian does not identify with. This is dangerous, since idolatry is the most talked about, and heavily condemned, sin in Scripture.

How can identify idolatry and root it out of his life? C.J. suggested inviting the careful critique of those in the Christian community, whom we trust. We may be oblivious to something that is obvious to them. "Initiate, invite, detect," he challenged. This exhortation reminded me of an article I wrote called "My Ugly Blind Spot." Idolatry has the potential to be the ugliest of blind spots.

Proverbs 27:5-6 is a good example: "Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses."

Those who love you are the best to offer critique. To avoid living with glaring blind spots, regularly ask those you trust to give insight into your life and point out areas that need improvement.

Discerning what has taken the place of Jesus in our hearts requires the Holy Spirit and the imput of godly friends. Drawing near to idolatry — in order to root it out — requires community and an openness to change. And there is hope for those of us who detect idols in our hearts.

It hurts to be confronted with my ugliness. But as I've discovered, these painful moments can also be a catalyst for change. I'll never be a truly nice person. I suspect I'll still give "the look" in moments of weakness. But as I deal with blind spots, and as I continue inviting loved ones to help me better see those blind spots, I can be confident that I'll come out looking more like Christ.