Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
-- 1 John 5:21
Idol: To this day, the picture in my mind when I hear or read that word is a small, fat, and unhappy carved Buddha-looking fellow hanging from a coarse hand-woven cord as a necklace. (1. That is among the top three strangest sentences I've ever written. 2. My understanding of idols was obviously, in some way, shaped by Gilligan's Island.)
Idols though, are more difficult to spot. Most hide in shadows of our hearts and minds, looking for opportunities. When we are hurting, an idol may step in. When we are angry... idol. When we feel strong desire, ambition, uncertainty, etc., an idol is more than willing to become our place of comfort, motivation, refuge or purpose.
It is interesting John closes out this letter to believers (whom he endearingly calls little children) in such a way. Most letters close with an heartfelt goodbye, or a doxology of sorts. Not here: ...keep yourselves from idols. There is obviously something urgent and relevant to his words.
The context of the letter as a whole, as well as the last few verses, paints a picture of idols. Idols are untruth. Idols are those things that demean and undermine the truth of God - who he is, what he has done for us, and the life offers. Idols are those things that pull our eyes and hearts away from the love of God.
We (metaphorically) wear them around our necks, both knowingly and unaware. Idols can be incredibly comfortable (and fashionable). But they steal life and joy in the same way a tick makes its living on a host.
Keep yourselves from idols. Why? Because idols tug our hearts away from God's love; because small idols can block big vision; because self-carved little buddha-men are poor substitutes for the God of all.
God, give me vision to spot the idols that weigh me down. Forgive me for trusting my hand-carved creations over you. Free me to experience your love, life and purpose.
For now...
D
