A couple of weeks ago I was compelled to read the book of Jonah.
It’s short but packed full of God’s goodness and mercy.
And as much as I’d love to get into the whole whale thing with you, there’s one verse that has captured me – just one little verse that’s digging deep into my business and having it’s way with me. This is what it says:
“Those who cling to worthless idols
forfeit the grace that could be theirs.”
Jonah 2:8
Now, here’s why it’s got me all riled up: it’s describing me.
It’s ugly, but painfully true. I’d love to sweep it under the rug and pretend it’s not, but that would be a lie.
So, care to unload some stinky laundry with me?
Here are 2 thoughts and 2 questions to consider when unpacking this verse:
#1. Although they might not be as obvious as a golden calf, our idols are every bit as real and every bit as costly. {Do we even realize how tightly we cling to them?}
Yesterday, a sweet women from church (who has never forwarded me anything before) emailed me this. Maybe, just maybe, God is trying to get His point across.
“The greatest adversary of love to God is not his enemies but his gifts. And the most deadly appetites are not for the poison of evil, but for the simple pleasures of earth. For when these replace an appetite for God himself, the idolatry is scarcely recognizable, and almost incurable.” (John Piper, emphasis mine)
An idol is anything or anyone we look to for fulfillment in life apart from God. It is the thing that replaces (or suppresses) our appetite for God.
And, just to make sure I was really getting it – these are the first two lines from today’s devotion from Jesus Calling,
“Worship me only. Whatever occupies your mind the most becomes your god.” (Sarah Young)
Ouch. OK God. Hearing you! The thing that we think about all the time – the thing that occupies our mind the most – THAT could become our idol.
Want to take inventory? Yeah. Me neither. But we should. What have I elevated in my mind that has taken on idol status? Consider these questions when looking through the following list:
What do you most often think about?
What can you not live without?
What occupies most of your time?
spouse / kids / hobbies / status / money / worries / job / friends / aspirations / success / a TV show/ Facebook / your home / a business / a celebrity / clothes / power
UGH. I read that list and I cringe. Have any of these things that I love become the one that I worship?
You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3
#2. In choosing the worthless and the empty, I have simultaneously chosen to turn my back on my only real source of life. {Do I even know what I’m walking away from?}
The second part of this verse has my stomach in knots because I can’t get the visual out of my head. It’s the picture of me walking away from God.
… And I want to barf
Because that is exactly what this verse says that I do. When I choose something or someone else to satisfy me, I forsake {which means abandon, give up, turn my back on} the only one that actually can.
Let me give you an example. It’s not a great one, but it’s current to my life right now.
All three of my kids had the flu. When their fevers spiked, their worlds began to crumble. Being sick and missing school is fun until you feel like poop. Ibuprofen to the rescue! Except Cole, my youngest, didn’t want the purple medicine.
“Baby, you have to take this medicine if you want to feel better.”
“But it’s gross. I just want to eat a pop sickle instead.”
“But a pop sickle won’t make your fever go away. It won’t make you feel better. You need to take a medicine that will help your fever to go away.”
Now parallel that silly example with God.
Picture our Creator. The One who made you and knows everything about you. He knows every single one of your needs – every longing of your heart – every void. And He’s standing right in front of you with His arms extended and His hands open wide. It’s almost as if you can see grace flowing from His hands. He’s the source of everything you’re looking for – full of mercy and every available ounce of loving kindness.
Now imagine looking Him straight in the eyes and saying, “Let me see how this other relationship can fulfill me first. Just wait, God. Let me chase this dream. After I find the perfect dress and maybe redecorate that room. Once my kids don’t need me so much. We just want to save a little more money first.”
We don’t lose our salvation. God is still very much there. We just choose something else first. Another love. And we forfeit the grace that could be ours.
Thank you for your mercy, Lord. You do not give us as we deserve.
i loved the book of Jonah – that's why I named on the twins after the book! Great insight!
Perfectly said, thank you so much for sharing, Carrie!