The things we desire are the things we worship. – Advent Conspiracy p. 33
It’s a time of the year when the worship of Jesus should be the easiest, but it is the hardest. There is the Christmas song “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” We sing about joy and peace. But this is a time of the year that is often not so wonderful, and we are the farthest from joy and peace.
Maybe the reason that we don’t experience joy and peace in this season is that it is not Christ that we worship. Our worship is limited to that warm feeling we get when we sing Silent Night at midnight in a church by candlelight. The rest of the time we are chasing after the god of consumerism.
Idolatry! It is not a word we use much. We think of idolatry as something reserved for the Old Testament. The people in the Old Testament would offer sacrifices to statues crafted of wood, stone, and metal. This is our picture of idolatry.
But today idolatry persists. The thing about idolatry is that we don’t even recognize it. Idolatry is not to turn our backs on God. The people of the Old Testament, who practiced idolatry, made room for God in their lives. What they did was try to find a place for their idolatry and the worship of God at the same time.
What is idolatry? It is the attempt to have it all. It is the belief that contentment and satisfaction are not found in one thing, but in everything. So we try to have it all. We try to do it all. We run ourselves ragged. We find ourselves stretched thin and our energy spent. Jesus said:
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other…” (Matthew 6:24, ESV)
Jesus was talking about the sin of idolatry. We can’t do it all, but it’s hard to resist. The promises of consumerism and entertainment are bold. The purchase of a new car promises to be more than a mode of transportation. It is presented as a status symbol that will give you what you always wanted. Even an advertisement for a can of soda makes bold promises that it can bring the world together in peace.
Let me tell you that a can of soda is not the real thing. The only real thing is Jesus. But it is no wonder we think joy and peace can be found in shopping malls and sports stadiums. The promises are powerful but empty.
If you were asked what Christmas is about, you would likely have an answer that points to Jesus. Jesus is the reason for the season after all! But what is it that consumes your thoughts? What is it that fills your conversations? Are you trying to have it all? Are you trying to do it all? We fill this season with so many things that have very little to do with Jesus. And they distract us from the real purpose of this season.
It goes back to purpose. What is the purpose of Christmas? If you looked at all your activity during this season, what would it tell you about the God you pursue? When you understand the purpose, it will direct your actions.
Questions for Reflection
- What are some examples of modern day idolatry and where does idolatry infiltrate your life?
- How do we eliminate idolatry in our lives and at Christmastime?
- What is the purpose of Christmas? How does that guide your celebration?
- Share your comments.
Bob West says
Super message today. I know that it is hard to come up with something everyday, but I enjoy reading everyday. My travels preclude me from responding every day, but man, you do such a super job in bringing the Word to us in the field. God Bless you all. Phillipians 4:6-8
Phil Ressler says
Thanks Bob. I appreciate it. Bringing this messages is as much for my benefit as anyone else.
donna weiss says
wow I always said we go to church to WORSHIP God, if there is any other reason it is the wrong reason…………going to church is not about how you feel…………
Tim Littrell says
Amen. It is important to remember that idolatry is just as much a threat to our relationship with God today as it was in Old Testamemt times.
Sue says
Thank you for your godly perspectives and spiritual insights which help me to deepen my relationship with my beloved Savior!
Marliss Laughridge says
Again, Pastor Phil, You said it so well . Oh how the world has pulled us in the wrong direction. The sad part is, we as Christians have gone along with it and it has become an idol. Just being reminded of how easy it is to follow the world because all around us screams of commercialism, is so important lest we forget what our purpose is on this earth, to give God glory and to make His name known.