Soul Check!

The Question of Comfort
Why do we even turn to idols? Usually we end up there because we are seeking comfort, trying to meet a right need in a wrong way. Think about it! We bow to idols because we are looking for pain relief for the soul wounds we’ve accumulated through things such as:

• Loss
• Divorce
• Disappointments
• Abuse
• Failures
• Rejection
• …and so many more

One of my idols (and…I had plenty!) used to be food. That’s what I used to comfort myself with. Coincidentally, food has historically always been a part of idol worship! Offerings of food to ancient demon gods were common. Worshippers would bring the food, dedicate it to the idol, and then eat it as an act of communion or becoming one with the idol. Paul called this a participation with “the table of demons”:

“Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.” 1 Corinthians 10:18-21 (KJV) 

The Israelites went into idolatry right after one of the most powerful and miraculous events in human history—the parting of the Red Sea! Just imagine, these people had witnessed the raw power of God demonstrated in a way that defied even the very laws of nature. They witnessed firsthand God’s ability and desire to be their EVERYTHING! Yet… in a matter of days they turned to an idol. Why? They were still abused slaves at heart. They felt abandoned and angry. They were frightened, confused, and lonely. Moses had gone up the mountain for longer than anticipated and they caved in to the need for comfort from something they could feel and see.

Take a look:

“WHEN THE people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, [they] gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, Up, make us gods to go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” Exodus 32:1 (AMPC)

 This is a sobering example for us. We must not give in to the temptation to find solace and security in false comforters:

“Do not be worshipers of false gods as some of them were, as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink [the sacrifices offered to the golden calf at Horeb] and rose to sport (to dance and give way to jesting and hilarity).” 1 Corinthians 10:7 (AMPC)

Every time you run to the idol of food or any instant gratification for your source of comfort, you are bowing to demons, allowing them, and in fact inviting them to come and defeat you, keeping you broke, busted, and disgusted!

False Comfort, False Security, and False Identity
Now, this is not a condemning message meant to beat you down. No. It is a wakeup call for us! We need to rise up and push our chairs back from the table of demons. Our fellowship is with the Lord Jesus Christ! We are meant for communion at His table! It’s time get our souls healed from the desire for what idols provide for us —false comfort, false security, and false identity— and get all our needs met at the Lord’s table. Believe me, He sure knows how to put out a spread!

Holy Spirit, the True Comforter
The enemy will always offer us a substitute for God’s best. He dangles before us “sparkly” substitutes to get us off-track. I want to really encourage you—don’t settle for less than God’s best! No romantic partner, no friendship, no material blessing, no momentary pleasure can EVER compare with the sweetest communion we can have with Holy Spirit! Don’t just take my word for it; listen to what Jesus said:

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever–The Spirit of truth…” John 14:16-17a (AMPC)

How Do You Know If Something Has Become An Idol?
Friends, let me be clear. There is nothing wrong with enjoying food, wealth, success, fun, or great relationships. That is part of living the abundant life of John 10:10. The problem starts when things get out of order. Are you craving those things? Are you afraid if you don’t have them? Is your soul longing after them to the point that the things that matter most, begin to suffer? How do you feel deep down about food, money, stuff, approval, etc.? Does it “own” you? If so, it is time to draw the line:

“And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?… Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” 2 Corinthians 6:16-17 (KJV) 

Do a “soul check” on yourself and assess whether or not the blessings have turned into idols. Purpose in your heart to no more bow to anything but Jesus! Let Him be your everything and then the other “things” will always remain in their proper place in your heart.

I hope this was helpful! Freedom and peace is God’s best for us, and that’s what I am praying for you!

Until next time!

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