Saturday 31 December 2011

Vote for your Idol

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” (sin)

“You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Place no other person or thing before the one and only God)

“You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them…” Exodus 20:2-5a (NASB)

 Too often today we hear and use the term “Idol” very loosely. We hear it in today’s media, including Australian Idol, American Idol… and the infamous Bulgarian Idol “Ken Lee” performance (who can forget that?)


But as professing Christian women, made in the image and likeness of God our Father, the question raised is: Who are we drawn to “idolise” or look up to as our role models in life? Is it Kim Kardashian? Lady Gaga or Eva Mendez…? Or is it faithful Christian role models such as Saint Mary, the Proverbs 31 wife, or even the late Mother Teresa?

Many of us may think that we do not revere or admire any such high-status role models. But take the time to reflect on your life’s choices and ask: What or who influences my fashion choices, the way that I speak, or my choice of friends and potential male partners? What or who influences my personal morals and ethics?

Do I find fulfilment in befriending women who like to gossip with me? Or would I much rather spend time with women who like to seek Christian encouragement through meaningful and edifying conversations? Do I prefer to spend every night watching my favourite television shows, or fanatically training at the gym? Or do I prefer to spend time reading the Holy Bible and discussing what I’ve learned with family and friends? 

The Bible is clear in saying that we should not worship or revere any idols; that is, we should not put any one or thing before God (see main verses above). This commandment is a reinforcement of the preceding and first commandment, where God Himself commands His followers to worship and revere Him alone! And no other!  

So this may lead us to question: HOW DO WE AS WOMEN, LOOK TO AND IMITATE GOD? The simple answer is found as we look to the blessed example of our Lord Jesus Christ, God incarnate; who left his Heavenly throne to take on the nature of a servant and live in this fallen, corrupted world surrounded by all of its many material and sinful distractions.

Though He was in this world, He lived and modelled the life that all Christians are to imitate in their everyday lives; being love, humility, forgiveness, kindness, generosity and ultimately, His self-sacrifice. Many of the characteristics and traits that the famous men and women who we idolise and admire today most certainly do not possess!

As Christian women living in the 21st century, “worldly” distractions are constantly being rammed in our faces through television, movies, internet, fashion magazines, etc. to a point where we may be fooled into thinking that this is the norm for all women to live by and conform to. This may often lead us to feel disappointed or lack confidence when we cannot attain such unrealistic “perfection”. However, God clearly teaches us that we are not to conform to the pattern of this perishing, fallen world, Romans 12:2 but rather, we should fix our eyes on JESUS CHRIST our Lord and role model in order to be the best woman that we can be in God’s eyes. Hebrews 12:1-2


           This week's song: More Beautiful You - Johnny Diaz