I‘ve been thinking a lot about idolatry and temptation lately. Mostly in the context of my own life, attempting to confront, through a few carefully chosen disciplines, the ways in which I “bow down” to the false gods of power, wealth, success, and pleasure in my everyday life.
It’s part of an ongoing journey of surrender and submission for me. I am learning what it means to be utterly dependent on God for everything. Out of an increasing understanding of my identity in Christ, I am seeking to simply act in a way that is consistent with that identity (the Bible calls this “obedience”). That involves saying “no” to some of the same temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness.
Ever since we’ve committed ourselves to a discipleship-based planting strategy/practice, it’s all gotten a lot more “personal.” We’ve realized that we must be examples for imitation, not just teachers of information.
It’s mostly uncomfortable and humbling, but I’m starting to see fruit (evidence of God’s power working in and through my life), which is deeply encouraging.
Anyway, today I saw a video of Chris Wright speaking at the 2010 Lausanne Congress on the need to confront idols in the evangelical church if we are ever going to really be able to move forward in joining God in his mission (ht kinnon). This was a helpful word for me, and I pray it is for you, too.