On My Heart
(Idolatry)

Warning: Serious post to follow! As I've said many times before, when I first started this blog I really didn't know which direction I would go with it. Correction. I should say which direction the Lord would go with it, because He has surely been the author. So I wondered, would I write about my family, my home, or my Christian beliefs? Looking back through my archives of two years I think I've covered those things and more, and have given you a pretty good idea of who I really am. Of course when I started my blog I hoped that somebody would actually read it, but I didn't want to get caught up in the numbers, the rankings, etc...I didn't want to be defined by how many new visitors I had each day, how many blogger's linked to me, and how many people's favorite's lists I was on. So, to sum it all up, I truly feel that the Lord has guided every key that I have typed and I believe that it is true, especially in this post. If I step on any toes, I'm truly sorry, I feel the need to say it anyway.


Idolatry. I'm sure there are as many forms of it as there are people. Looking it up in the dictionary, idolatry is defined as: excessive or blind adoration, reverence, devotion, etc. The thing I find most interesting about idolatry is that we can be idolizing something or somebody and not even realize it. Before I go on, I am probably more guilty than any of you about this, so don't think I'm "preaching" to you. This is an area in which I struggled only I didn't even know it. It was actually the Lord who revealed it to me and that is why I wanted to share it with you in case you have had the same problem.

Blogging. Oh, how we love it, don't we? What fun it is to get a "sneak" peek into somebody's life, to hear their thoughts, to share their joys and their sorrows. I know that through blogging I have met so many kindred spirits and formed many wonderful friendships. In so many ways blogging has been such a huge blessing in my life, but in one area it had not been. As a matter of fact, I think it you could say it had almost become destructive.

Can any of you relate to this? You have blogs that you visit on a regular basis. You love the blogger. You love her fashion sense. You admire her talents and the way she decorates her home. You are in awe of her mothering skills and how much her husband loves her. You are convinced that she never buys KFC, kool-aid, or store bought cookies, and you KNOW for certain that she even grinds her own wheat everyday (that she has grown in her field, no less;o) She never has mildew, sticky floors, or bad days. She never gets angry at her husband or her kids, depressed, and out of sorts. She is groomed to perfection, and only dines with crystal and fine china, glowing candles, and classical music. But, of all those things, the thing you desire the most is her relationship with the Lord. To you, she IS the perfect Christian. (remember, I'm talking about myself here, too). Never a unkind thought enters her head or an unkind word escapes from her lips. She NEVER misses her quiet time, and she is up by 5:00 am, bright eyed and bushy-tailed ready to tackle the day. She participates in every church activity, and is active in charity work. I could go on and on, but I'm sure you get the picture. Now, I ask you, are there any bloggers you feel this way about? (Don't really answer;o) Just think about it for a minute.


Now, I'm going to tell you the truth. SHE DOES NOT EXIST!! Guess what has happened? In our minds we have "built" her up, so to speak. WE have created this woman and have come to believe that she is the perfect wife, mother, homemaker, and most importantly, Christian. Logically, we know that nobody is PERFECT, but that is what we have chosen to believe about this blogger. So here's what begins to happen . . . . .

*You start to visit her blog numerous times a day and are sad when she doesn't post ~ after all, you need a word from her each day.

*In your mind you compare yourself to her all the time.

*You try to be like her in every way, either be it the way she dresses, cooks,decorates, or even "mothers."

*You start to have huge doubts about your abilities and skills, why even bother,you'll never be like her.

*You wonder why can't you have the perfect family like she does.

* You feel honored whenever she visits your blog and leaves a comment or . . . .

*You wish she would visit your blog and leave a comment.

*You covet her Christian walk and so desire the relationship she has with the Lord.

And I could go on and on and on. Now do you see what has happened? Without your even knowing it, she has become your IDOL. That's one of the insidious things about idolatry, it sneaks up on you without you even realizing it. You have convinced yourself that she is worthy of being idolized by you. To you, unlike Mary Poppins who is "practically perfect in every way," this woman IS PERFECT in every way.

Think on this for a minute. We know that idolatry is a sin and sin leads to destruction. Can you now see the destructive path you are on? I know for me it was a huge shock. I didn't want to believe that I was actually idolizing someone, but when I looked a little bit closer I realized I was. After some much needed "gentle correction" from the Lord, I don't walk down that path any longer, and I'm so glad I don't. That path is surely one that will only lead to much heartache, misery, and disappointment. So, my dear friends, I ask you to examine your blogging habits. Does any of what I described sound familiar to you? If so, it's time to start on a different path. The Lord is just waiting to hold your hand and lead you.

Much love,
Susan P.

*Sometime this week I plan on doing another post about a form of idolatry that I feel is prevalent in our society today. After that I promise I'll post a yummy recipe or a cute craft idea;o)

Ladies, thank you so much for sharing your hearts with me and for you allowing me to share mine!