Constructing an Idol (Part One)

In today’s modern world of technology, virtual reality, self-driving cars and medical marvels, we may never consider the concept of idols. After all, aren’t idols something simple minded people constructed of wood, stone and precious metals from eons ago? Weren’t these easily lead people required to offer sacrifices to these large inanimate objects? I don’t recall hearing of anyone sacrificing a goat, lamb or bull this past week. Nevertheless, we are still in the idol constructing business and that has never been clearer than in the world of pornography and sexual fantasy. God wired into all humans a worship drive of which was intended to be placed upon and occupied by Him and Him alone. Whatever directs our passions, dreams, drive and motivation is often determined by what occupies this drive. Whatever you look forward to or consumes most of your time and mental energy is directed by your worship drive. Idols don’t just appear out of thin air. They have to be constructed and then maintained. Over the next few devotionals, we will address some of the steps involved in constructing the idol of sexual addiction.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Refuge is defined as a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble. Today, we live in very troubling and dangerous times. We may often feel pursued by the stress and uncertainty of each new day. We desire a respite, break and rest from this constant assault. The fantasy world of sexual sin advertises itself to be a refuge from the stress and burdens of this world. Sexual idols are constructed in the compartmentalized and disconnected regions of our brain and reinforced through the lies by which we protect it. The Psalms mention God being our refuge 24 times. Each time we seek the substitute refuge and escape into the fantasy world, we take away from building trust and faith in God’s provision of safety and shelter. The fantasy world of sexual sin provides only a brief imaginary respite and chemical release to sedate our troubles and stress. The troubles are still there when we return to reality because we have only delayed and ignored the trouble and not actually dealt with it. God’s refuge, through the direction and covering of His Spirit, leads and strengthens us to walk through the stress and troubles of this world. There is no real refuge in the fantasy world only lies and a world of delusional thinking that we can avoid, ignore and escape stress. We all want a stress-free life but that is not the path we will walk in this fallen foreign world. There are no short cuts or bypasses to avoid stress and trouble but we do have a Savior who is acquainted with our difficulties and showed us how to walk through them. If you are constructing or have an idol in sexual fantasy world then know this; there is an escape, hope and real refuge for you. If you are desiring to raise your children to be free from idols then give them the tools to walk through the troubles of this world by holding the hand of their internal Father.

If you or a loved one need help in dealing with the idol of sexual sin, then contact us at perfecthope.org or give us call at 901-430-3412.

Jonathan Jones, President perfecthope.org@gmail.com