Is God at the top of your priority list? Last week, we looked into 5 Unintentional Idols for Millennials. We barely scratched the surface, so let’s forge ahead with 5 (More) Unintentional Idols for Millennials:
Your Plans
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
Millennials are at that stage of life. Are you married yet? If so, do you have kids? Of course, they need a sibling. How’s the career? Bought a house? Ah! Just typing these questions makes my blood pressure rise. Perhaps, this could be an idol in my life.
God has a plan for you. A perfect plan. One to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). You may disagree with the timing. You may have to give up something that you are convinced that you really, really want. But God knows the future.
Jesus says that whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life, for His sake, will find it (Matthew 10:39). Loosen that grip. Give it to the One who literally knows everything. Let’s give up our plans for God’s plans and witness just how beautiful life can be.
Your Image
I’m talking to the ladies mostly for this one, but guys can struggle with this idol as well. Even the term, image, heralds back to scripture. We are visual creatures, and sometimes we put far too much gravity on what is seen.
This unreasonable emphasis on what we look like can manifest itself into vanity, certainly. That is obviously not a healthy focus, as pride comes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). However, more often than not, this focus on appearance reveals itself as comparison, covetousness, and a strong kick to one’s self esteem.
As millennials witness beauty standards rise to the impossible, we often put more and more effort into reaching those heights. Eating disorders, risky plastic surgery and chemical treatments, high costs of clothing and cosmetics. It can take serious time and money for a very temporary thing.
God does not look at the outward appearance, but instead, the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Let’s try our best to emulate the Lord and refuse to give the physical an undeserved alter.
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:3-4).
Unforgiveness
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15).
So, reading the above verse, we see what a big deal forgiveness is. Like, heaven-hell big. Huge. Yet, many struggle with unforgiveness. If this is a struggle, it may be an idol.
You may believe that holding this grudge is justice. You’re not letting them get away with it. It was a very real, terrible thing that they did. But it isn’t hurting them. It is hurting you. Give it to God.
Grace that we cannot comprehend, on the cross, Jesus asked His Father to forgive His murderers (Luke 23:34). God can help us to do whatever He asks of us. And He wants it all. Everything. Including this. He will give you back something so much better.
“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18).
Your Phone
This one is a new(ish) issue for millennials. We were raised in an era before smartphones, but we certainly have adapted to the technology. I raise this as an issue of idolatry, as phones can, unintentionally, devour our time and our mind.
Please, I beg of you, look up an official account of your screen time. I did this recently, and I was blown away. Hours and hours, wasted, scrolling funny cat videos. Once again, cat videos are not bad things, but it is easy to have too much of a good thing.
“Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16).
We are all given the same amount of hours in a day. How cool is that? Rich or poor, we are all allotted a certain amount of time. It is our most valuable resource. We must steward this precious gift well.
Not only can the smart phone be a massive time-waster, but it can do some serious mental health damage. Constant connection to the outside world is not a good thing. We have too much information, and not all of this information is true. When we observe a cacophony of highlights, we can begin to resent our day-to-day normality.
So tune out the noise and put that phone in its rightful place. I started with a social media fast. It was revolutionary. I now have screen time limits. I can see my gratitude increasing, contentment and peace flourishing, and wow, do I have more time on my hands.
Your Children
This one is kind of crazy, right? Of course, your kids should be near the tip-top of your priority list. Almost number one. Almost. They need you. But they need you to be faithful to God first.
Abraham was tested in this way. He waited many years for his promised son Isaac. God provided that miracle, and then, one day, asked for that miracle back. Abraham did not hesitate. He knew that God is good. He knew that he could trust Him. Perhaps, God would raise Isaac up again. Or maybe provide a ram. Abraham passed the test, and God powerfully foreshadowed His own sacrifice of Jesus on the cross (see more in Jehovah Jireh, the Lord will Provide).
Thank you for reading through 5 (More) Unintentional Idols for Millennials. If you struggle with one or more of these accidental idols, you are in good company. God is willing and able to help us turn our eyes back to Him. If you haven’t yet, check out part 1, 5 Unintentional Idols or Millennials. Or continue on the deep dive with Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts) and Jehovah Nissi (The Lord is my Banner).
