Throughout the Bible, we witness humanity’s struggle with a divided heart. The Israelites and surrounding nations’ wandering eye lead them to false gods and idols: Baal, the sun, images carved into wood and stone. Present-day idols may be less obvious, but they will still steal your purpose. Read on to consider 5 unintentional idols for millennials:
Romance
Let’s start out with an obvious one. You know it. I know it. Dating, romance in general, even your kingdom spouse, can easily become an idol in your life. If your thoughts of this person consume you, if you care more about what they think than what God thinks, then yes, this person is likely an idol in your life. Repent, give him or her to God, and correct the priority list of your heart.
As long as your romantic interest remains your idol, you are doing a disservice to that person. It isn’t fair to them, and it isn’t fair to God.
Good things are not God. Good things will let you down. They may love you, but they cannot love you even a billionth of the amount that God loves you. He died for you. He is jealous. Why would you provoke the One that you love to jealousy? The LORD is the only one that deserves to be loved with all of your entire heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:4-5).
Astrology/the Universe/Crystals
Any practice of the occult is not just harmless play! These rituals and ritual objects compete with your relationship with God. Instead of reading your horoscope, or consulting tarot cards, ask God for wisdom. Learn to listen to the Holy Spirit. Instead of buying crystals, which falsely promise to bring types of energy into your life, pray to the One who created these minerals. Further, the Bible calls these practices detestable: this is not a drill! Throw any of these items in the garbage today. Repent, pray over your home, and never return to the occult.
“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD; because of these same detestable practices the LORD your GOD will drive out those nations before you. You must be blameless before the LORD your God.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-13).
Money
“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10).
Here today and gone tomorrow; money does not love you back. Millennials have faced some of the toughest financial prospects in recent history. However, God will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). The Lord is the One who gives the ability to make wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18) (see more in Jehovah Jireh, the Lord will Provide), so release the burden of doing it all on your own.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.” (Matthew 6:33).
Of course, you need money to live. However, if you feel that your heart may have formed an unhealthy devotion to wealth, there is an antidote. Generosity, regular giving, and sacrificial offerings are a sort of fast that can break these chains. Further, observing the Sabbath, willingly not working for a full day each week, is another form of sacrifice that can cultivate your devotion to the Creator, not the creation.
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24).
Food/Substances
If you struggle with an addiction to substances, you are already aware of their relentless pull. My heart goes out to you. With a reliance on the mighty power of God, and a committed effort with the help of doctors and a detailed plan, you can overcome this battle.
Food, however, is often overlooked idol in the life of the millennial. We can fall into an unhealthy relationship with food unaware, as it builds slowly and steadily over time. It takes a great deal of honesty and self-awareness to admit to this vice. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I realized that I was turning to food for comfort, entertainment, and easy dopamine.
Do you turn to food for comfort in stressful times? God wants to comfort you. Food is not worthy of that role! Do you willingly overconsume foods that you know may cause health issues in years to come? Do you under-consume in order to achieve a desired look? God asks us to be intentional in the way that we steward our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Food should never have the power to harm a child of God, it should be used a tool to nourish and bless us. Let’s take back our power over food today.
Celebrities
You may think that this is not a problem for you. As a millennial, we are many years removed from boy bands and reality shows (sometimes haha). However, what about politicians? How did you feel when your favorite presidential candidate lost an election? If it felt like the world would end and sparked feelings of fear and hopelessness…you might be dealing with an idol.
These unrealistic hopes and unreliable feelings of safety can also be given to prominent pastors, worship leaders, and Christian influencers. If they are preaching the word of God, then surely they are trustworthy, right? But we have to recognize that the same Holy Spirit that (may) be in any church leader, is also in the everyday believer. So we must judge every word according to the word of God. All humans are imperfect, flawed, and short-sighted. God is not. Do not confuse your devotion to the LORD for devotion to a person.
“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.” (Psalm 118:8-9).
Thanks for reading about 5 unintentional idols for millennials. There are obviously a great deal more than just 5 unintentional idols for millennials, so keep posted for part 2. Until then, read more with Christian Fasting: A How-To Guide and Christian Sabbath: A How-To Guide.
