Bowing to Idols

[Anonymous]

I was scrolling through Facebook, and saw this http://www.jenniferphillipsblog.com/2017/07/when-your-kids-wont-bow-to-your-idols.html” class=”bbcode_url”>http://www.jenniferphillipsblog.com/2017/07/when-your-kids-wont-bow-to-your-idols.html.

I am not a parent, nor am I married, but reading it gave words to thoughts I have about myself in these two potential roles that I’ve had for quite some time. I especially love:

Quote:

Looking back, I can see how self-righteous I was in my early years of parenting. I worshipped my kids’ performance. I worshipped first-time obedience. I worshipped my reputation. And I couldn’t see it, so I thought I was right – in my parenting methods, and in my goals for them. I thought I was being faithful and consistent – isn’t that what all the books tell you to be? I was oblivious to what was ruling my heart.

and

Quote:

In his book Counterfeit Gods, Tim Keller says, “An idol is whatever you look at and say, in your heart of hearts, ‘If I have that, then I’ll feel my life has meaning, then I’ll know I have value, then I’ll feel significant and secure.’”

I see myself/what is turning into my former self in these descriptions. I see how I’ve treated friends, acquaintances, and strangers in the words. On some level it haunts me that I have a capability for it. I also have hope because some of the nickels have been removed from my eyes, for I hadn’t perceived they were thus closed for so long.

[Anonymous]

Excellent insight. Idol worship is, first and foremost, a sign of a belief that self is not fully good enough.

Self-awareness can be painful, but it is important to try. Kudos for recognizing the beginning of that process.

[Anonymous]

I had an experience similar to what Jenny describes. My first child was very obedient and successful in traditional environments. My second child was very different. There are several instances where we tried to impose our will on him. It was a power struggle.

It took him being kicked out of Pre-school for us to realize that we had to change/adapt our parenting to better suit our child’s needs.

As far as Idols, I have them and I assume everyone else does too. I believe the key is not to rid yourself of idols, but rather to be aware of them and willing to reevaluate whether they are worthy of your priority. I believe this is the heart of repentance/self-reflective change. As always, “Trade up!” :thumbup:

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