Idolitry

Last night at my church, The Austin Stone, the Pastor gave a really eye-opening message about idolitry. When I think of that word, I'm reminded of the story in the bible about Moses worshiping the golden cow. And like I'm sure some of y'all have thought, I think, "there is no way I'd ever worship some dumb golden cow.." But what the Pastor showed us last night is that idols are way more then statu...es we could worship. An idol is anything we put above God. Girls, this includes personal worth. The need to be accepted. Something we obsess over is something we put ABOVE God. Image isn't usually thought of as an idol, but it actually is!! Everyday we want to feel accepted by our family, our friends, teachers, even strangers. We seek acceptance that we're beautiful, that we're successful, that we're smart, etc. We, as girls, just want to feel love. And we are constantly looking to the World to fill this spot in our heart with love. Some of us especially focus on how we, and other people, see our bodies. We have a constant struggle with being happy and feeling value. And God wants us to be happy, but when we put other things above Him we can't feel that happiness. We can search our whole lives to feel accepted and loved, but God is the only one who can show us what that really feels like.

Look at Hollywood, for example. Movie stars are beautiful, successful, have good bodies, and are loved by many many people. If they really have 'it all,' then why are they constantly showing up in magazines for depression, drugs, divorces, and just in general not seaming to be happy?! It's because they have a false sense of love. And the journey to find the World's love and approval has left them even more empty then before. Now I just want to clarify: I'm not against working out, eating healthy, dressing cute, and wearing make up or anything like that! Use what God's given you!! And take care of your body, working out is beneficial to your health and eating well is just as important. However, when we focus on these things more then we do God we will never be happy or feel the true love God designed us to feel.

So, put God first and you will be happier then you ever though you could be. Never put another idol before Him and you will find the true meaning of love. 

XOXO