I’ve been thinking a lot about the word "Everything” since I started reading Mary DeMuth’s new book set to release October 16th. It’s a big word. A powerful word. A word that causes me to consider the enormity of its meaning in my life. It calls me to consider what’s “the most important thing?”
As I ponder the everything word, one of my favorite Bible verses keeps going through my mind, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life…”(2Peter 1:3). Jesus is supposed to be my everything, and he’s given me everything I need for life, but I had to ask myself if I live like I really believe that. The answer has been troubling me.
My problem is a universal one. I’m too comfortable.
I’m constantly amazed at how the Father lovingly reminds me of that through experiences that stir my soul. The most recent was a visit to the headquarters of Stonewall Jackson in Winchester Virginia. As I looked around the home where some of the most notable events of the Civil War took place, I was awed by sacrifices that men like Jackson made in the name of freedom, and how comfortable they became being uncomfortable.
Freedom was costly. Radical. It called for monumental discomfort, and it would accept no idols to compete with it.
As I consider my life with Jesus, I shrink from the thought. If I’m honest, my insatiable need to be comfortable and worship my own self-sufficiency has created a heart full of stubborn guests called idols. The sad thing is I’ve created them in order to protect myself from pain and feel adequate.
But all the while I keep hearing Paul whispering--- I have everything I need for life. Do I even understand what that means?
I tell myself it’s not like I’m offering sacrifices to Baal, or dancing around Asherah poles. My idols have different names, but they are just as displeasing to the Father: Ease. Pleasure. Performance. Self-Centeredness. Vanity. Reputation. Success. It all comes with a price, one I don’t always count the cost of.
But Paul says I’ve been given everything I need for life.
It’s a person. It’s a relationship. The everything is Jesus. The idols separate me from him by vying for first place in my heart.
What’s the solution? How can I see if idols have taken root in my heart?
Consider this:
- What do you love?
- What takes up the most space in your mind?
- What do you devote your time to?
- What hinders you from deeper intimacy with God?
- Where do you spend your money?
- What do you look to in order to get a sense you’re OK?
Look intently at your answers. Examine yourself to see if you need heart surgery. If so, here is the best way to begin your recovery:
- Study the names of God--- you’ll discover his heart
- Understand your identity in Christ
- Practice the Spiritual Disciplines
- Commit to growing your relationship with Jesus
- Trust is the heart of intimacy. You can’t trust a person you don’t know. Get to know this radical Savior by reading the Bible daily
Doing these things won’t save you, or even make you a better person, but they can help lay a foundation to stir your desire to dismantle your idols and make Jesus your everything.
Heart provoking posts, Rita!! I wonder sometimes if I hold onto things because I’m not sure He is really “enough” … ouch!! Thankful he’s so patient with us.
Thank you so much for your kind words!
thnx so much Deanna. Just saw your comment
Thank you for this. It’s always eye opening to think about our own idols.
Your right and it’s hard to admit them sometimes!
Rita, when I read your words, “study the names of God, you’ll discover His heart,” it reminded me of something I began and have not completed (I admit I’ve put it down). I was reading Henry Blackaby’s book, Experiencing God, and in the back of the workbook is a list of all the names of God found in the Bible. I decided to look at each one and try to remember a time when I knew God was revealing that aspect of his character to me. I began to realize how many times in my life I just took something for granted or thought I had brought something about when God was trying to reveal himself to me in an intimate way. Wow. Your words remind me to pick that back up again! Great post. I am now reading my very own copy of Everything.
Linda, I had the honor of interviewing Dr Blackaby a few months ago on the podcast. I loved that study and taught it several times. Tnx for the note.
Rita, your post makes me think of the strength that lies in utter humility. It is no longer “I who lives but Christ who lives in me.” To think that our lives are hidden in Christ and He is our hope of glory if we are willing to die to our selves. I deeply appreciate your openness and vulnerability in sharing your heart. May our foundation be strong and our hearts wholly His.
Amen Jeannie.
Terrific!!!
You’ve discovered the LDL of spiritual heart disease. LDL is the bad sign or “lousy” [“L”] signs of spiritual Cholesterol. Thought I would respond to your comments to a self-examination before you need “heart surgery.” GOOD JOB!
great way to put it Mel.
Great and inspiring post Rita!! How easy it is when you are out there trying to promote a book to lose yourself in the maze of your own goals and dreams and forget where the power, promotion, and peace actually come from. Again and again my Jesus has to calmly remind me that He is in charge of my life and He always has a plan……and He brings me peace and a calmness of mind and heart…..
thanks so much Dixie! He does always have a plan and even if we don’t like the storyline we need to rest assured we can trust in him not our circumstances.