Essential worship: unveiling the hidden idols in our modern lives
The world admires the Japanese people. They are known for their honest and hardworking ethic, contributing to their vibrant society since World War 2.
But many of them work "too hard" to their own detriment. Statista reports: "In 2022, around 2,968 persons in Japan committed suicide due to problems related to their working situation in Japan. Occupational sudden mortality, known as karoshi ("death by overwork"), is a well-known phenomenon in Japanese society.
Besides physical pressure, mental stress from the workplace can cause karoshi. Suicide due to occupational stress or overwork is called karojisatsu ("overwork suicide") in Japan."
On the other side of the planet, thousands gathered in 2023 to worship the sun and have fun.
ABC News reports that approximately 8,000 enthusiastic individuals assembled at a prehistoric stone circle on a vast plain in southern England. They gathered to demonstrate their reverence for the sun or partake in communal festivities.
Among the attendees were Druids, pagans, hippies, residents, and tourists. Many colorful outfits, including some adorned with antlers, graced the crowd as they celebrated at Stonehenge throughout the night. They eagerly awaited Wednesday's sunrise, marking the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere.
In their day-to-day existence, pagans, atheists, and ordinary people worship and thrive on something else other than our Creator. It can be the sun, their work, spouse, cat, favorite movie star, or digital space.
Essential worship is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, a practice that has evolved and adapted over centuries. It involves expressing love, reverence, and devotion to God through various rituals, ceremonies, and acts of praise.
However, in our daily lives, the concept of worship has evolved, and the boundaries between genuine adoration and potential idolatry have blurred.
The elements of Christian worship
Worship is a fundamental practice within the Christian faith, centered on honoring, praising, and adoring God. It encompasses various forms, each serving a unique purpose in the spiritual lives of believers.
Corporate worship is a communal expression of faith, where we come together in church services. These gatherings feature elements like prayer, hymn singing, Scripture reading, and the observance of sacraments like communion.
Moreover, the congregation fosters a sense of community, strengthening the faith of individuals and reinforcing the idea that we are part of a more prominent spiritual family.
Personal devotion complements corporate worship and emphasizes the importance of private spiritual practices. We engage in prayer, Bible study, and reflection, seeking to develop a more intimate relationship with God. It provides a space for self-examination and personal growth in our faith journey.
Acts of service extend worship beyond rituals and into daily life. Christians view acts of service as offerings to God when carried out with love and humility. This practice involves helping those in need, volunteering, and showing kindness to others, embodying the teachings of their faith in our daily actions.
Essential worship is a spiritual mindset and a way of life.
Deciphering our modern-day idols
"Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God, your functional savior." Martin Luther
The word "idol" can refer to a worshiped physical object, such as a statue or a painting. However, it can also refer to anything that we put before God in our lives. When we worship idols, we essentially say these things are more important to us than God.
We are putting more of our time and center of attention rather than on God. This situation leads to many problems, including anxiety, depression, and emptiness.
In biblical terms, idolatry is considered a grave sin, as it contradicts the Great Commandment of God.
In contemporary daily life, idolatry can take various forms:
- Money and possessions: We may put our money, cars, and jewelry before God. We become idolatrous when constantly buying new things, worrying about losing them or letting them define our worth.
- Drugs and alcohol: When we are addicted to substances, our constant focus is where to get the next fix or shot, not on God or everything else.
- Our work: We may be "workaholics," putting our position before God and constantly thinking about it. In the guise of earning more, we let it take over our lives at our families and well-being's expense.
- Our relationships: We may put our relationships before God if we focus more on giving more attention to other people than loving God. They include our family, friends, superiors, and other people.
- Celebrities and popstars. We swoon and get "starstruck" over our favorite movie stars and famous personalities. We emulate their looks and lifestyles.
- Our ego: We may put ourselves before God if we constantly strive for power, recognition, or success.
- Digital games and social media: Many people can only live or thrive with digital gadgets and spaces.
- Pets and other things of this world: Many people care more about their pets or hobbies than God and others.
Idols can be hidden because we may not know we are worshiping them. We may think we are putting God first, but if we constantly think about or pursue something else, then that thing is an idol.
Consider these four questions as a guide to recognizing idols in your life:
How do I allocate my time?
Where does my financial focus lie?
What is the primary source of my happiness?
What consistently occupies my thoughts?
Dethroning the idols in our hearts
Women praying together. (Photo by RDNE Stock project from Pexels)
"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:20-21
The line between Christian worship and idolatry can be thin in our contemporary daily lives.
The first step to overcoming our hidden idols is to become aware of them. We must look honestly at our lives and ask ourselves what we put before God. Once we are aware of our idols, we can begin to break free from their grip.
There are many ways to do this. One way is to pray and ask God to help us to see our idols. We can also read the Bible and learn about God's character and love for us. As we grow in our knowledge of God, we will be less likely to worship idols.
Another way to break free from idols is to spend time with other believers committed to following God. They can honestly tell us our heroes stay accountable and support each other in our journey.
Finally, we need to be willing to make changes in our lives. This notion may mean giving up something we value, such as our jobs, possessions, relationships, and even pet dogs or cats. It may also mean making changes in the way we think and feel. But if we are genuinely committed to following God, we will be willing to do whatever it takes to break free from our idols.
Furthermore, attempting to play the balancing act of serving both God and earthly idols is futile. Matthew 6:24 reads: "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."
Essential Worship: In Spirit and In Truth
John 4: 24. (Bible verse image from Bible Portal)
"God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." - John 4:24
Today, idolatry remains a potent tool the Enemy employs to lead us astray from our devotion to God. Satan is delighted when we bow down to these idols and worship him.
Since the time of Adam and Eve, essential worship has been a vital part of our faith. But in our contemporary daily lives, guarding against potential idolatry is critical. Maintaining a sincere and humble devotion to God ensures our worship remains authentic and enriching.
To genuinely worship God in spirit, we must engage our entire being—our hearts, intellect, souls, and spirits—in our reverence for Him. Authentic, essential worship transcends mere external gestures or rituals. It entails forging a profound, personal connection with God that saturates every facet of our lives.
