Idol worship.   The phrase conjures up all kinds of images — ancient biblical names like Baal and Moloch, and modern idols like sex, power, money, and fame.

I recently discovered another blogger, BeautyBeyondBones.com, who shared a reflection titled, The Idol of Self. It was an honest, open admission that anorexia had nearly claimed her life at one point, as she made her body and appearance the idol in her heart. The final paragraph of her post was a heartfelt prayer. 

“Lord, today, please let us recognize any idols we may inadvertently have in our lives. May we be willing to do the difficult and humbling work to identify them, and then root them out by handing them over to You. Sprinkle us with Your cleansing water and give us a new heart and a new spirit.”

I admit that reading this post prompted a moment of self-reflection. Who or what do I idolize in my life? 

It occurred to me that it is possible to idolize others. I have had many people God has placed in my life as encouragers and mentors. And, to be honest, it is easy to admire these folks for so long that I put them on a pedestal. They become more than just role models; they turn into idols. I find myself trying to imitate them instead of imitating Christ. After receiving yet another glowing compliment, one dear friend, who influenced me greatly, once begged me, “Don’t put me on a pedestal, it hurts too much when I fall off.” Amen to that.  

In earlier posts, I mentioned two quotes about worship.

My February 17, 2020, blog post, “It’s Sunday Morning in My Soul,” discussed worship as more than just an hour on Sunday morning. It included one of my favorite quotes on worship: “If you’re not worshiping God on Monday, the way you did the day before, perhaps you’re not worshiping Him at all.” (A.W. Tozer)

My blog post from June 2, 2020, “Adorning the Dark,” quoted author Andrew Peterson, reminding us, “Since we were made to glorify God, worship happens when someone is doing exactly what he or she was made to do.” 

But reading The Idol of Self has made me reflect once again on what it means to worship. I have long believed that humans are inherently created with a desire to worship. It isn’t optional. And if we choose not to worship God, that emptiness will seek to be filled with something or someone else. It’s a spiritual law. While physical laws like gravity govern the universe, there are also spiritual laws. We are made to worship. You have to worship something or someone. 

The question is, do you know who or what you worship?

The late Jack Hayford reminded us that “Worship changes the worshiper into the image of the One worshiped.”  So, we’d better be careful who we worship.

Now, if there is no God, no problem — live as you want.  Worship yourself, your favorite guru, or your favorite football team. There are no absolutes, only survival of the fittest.  We define for ourselves what is good or bad.  Of course, everyone will define things differently.  How is that working out for us?  Relativism leads to moral anarchy.  Anarchy leads to chaos. Chaos results in enforced order.  Hello, totalitarianism, goodbye, freedom. The State will take care of you.  The State will provide for you.  The State will become the new god.

But wait. If there is a God, why settle for something less?  The author Francis Chan encourages us, “Isn’t it a comfort to worship a God we cannot exaggerate?”

1 Chronicles 16:11 gives the simplest explanation of true worship.  “Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His presence continually.”  Another version says to “seek His face now.” Continually seek His presence or His face.  Either way, better to seek Him now!

The Christian singing group Mercy Me released a song in 1999 called “I Can Only Imagine.” The song imagines what it would be like to finally meet Jesus face to face.

The chorus speaks of the possibilities.

Surrounded by Your glory. What will my heart feel?

Will I dance for you Jesus, Or in awe of You be still.

Will I stand in your presence, Or to my knees will I fall?

Will I sing hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine, I can only imagine.

I’ve got a feeling, when I meet Him, I’ll be falling on my knees…in worship.