July 01, 2008

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!

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

You hit the nail on the head with this post -- oh, so very true.

Susan

Tracy said...

Terrific post!

candy said...

Hi Susan,
I have never looked up to anyone in blogworld as far as thinking they are the type of lady I would like to be. I think there are a few ladies out there that are encouraging and mentoring but Ive never looked up to them that much.

I have been guilty though of the linking thing. I have struggle with that issue big time. This is my issue with it: Almost every blog I read has their friends or their "favorites" listed on their sidebar. Well I said about a year ago that I would never do that in fear of hurting peoples feelings. But recently I actually felt pressured to list them. So not to hurt anyones feelings, I would list every blog I read and those who visit me too! So I tried it and it didnt sit well with me at all because its just not me. SO actually this morning I had deleted it.
I now know I just cant get myself to follow in that trap. Its not me. It hurts my heart so much to know I could hurt someone because I know the feeling of being hurt and it sucks! So I dont want to do it to anyone else.
So yeah, there are issues for sure that we all struggle with and we need to be reminded to stay clear of following what everyone else does on their blog and all that.
Thanks for the reminder and encouragement!
I love ya!
candy :)

Randi Jo :) said...

a very thought provoking post! :) great job!!!

Anonymous said...

I came by your blog reading another and all I can say is every word you wrote is so true I saw myself in your words I did have a blog but deleted it the reason when I went to other blogs I felt as if I couldn't live up to these ladies I do believe the Lord lead me to your blog,thank you ,thank you, for opening my eyes have a blessed day

Donna Kay said...

Amen and Amen!! Susan - I loved reading your post - it is sooooo very true - i am fairly new at blogging and i found myself doing and thinking some of these very things - the Lord must be moving - because before I even read your post today - these very things have been on my mind.
Bless you for your honesty and for listening to that "still, small voice".

Mrs. U said...

Wonderful post and SO true!!!! Thank you for sharing this!!!

His,
Mrs. U

G.L.H. said...

Thank you for sharing this most timely "word" from the Lord!

Love you, Susan!

Firefly Nights said...

I like your attitude about not wanting to get caught up in the numbers. I set my blog so that the national search engines don't even search it. People only find it through someone else.

I don't think I've come across any bloggers that I'd idolize. I've made new friends, and found some bloggers I admire, but there is no one I want to be like. I do wonder how so many houses seem to look so perfect, but I know enough about photography and home staging to know that they may not always look that way.

Monica Wilkinson said...

Susan, I appreciate you sharing from your heart so openly. I am thankful for God's gentle correction when we need it! It is so easy to always share our homes when they are clean or the pretty things we create - but yes, we still each live life and are human. We WILL make mistakes and do things we shouldn't. Thank you for your gracious reminders.
Monica

Lallee said...

Sue, you said this so well. It is a temptation to all of us at some time. I think God had me take a pause in my blog recently because I was beginning to lose the 'me' He created. I had to dust off the 'pressure' to blog, etc. I went through the stats, how many comments phase in the beginning of my blogging days. Now I am more in the 'build it and they will come....or not' just be me phase. I pray that God will nudge me or bop me on the head when I stray back to idolatry of wanting to be more like someone else. I want to be like HIM, and that will only come with the help of the Holy Spirit. Keep the good posts coming!

Hugs,
Lallee

Michelle said...

Your post was very thought provoking and so very true. Thanks for your honesty and sharing your heart.

There are many times I have pondered whether or not I should continue blogging. It really IS so easy to get caught up in all the things you mentioned. Then I think about the various friendships I've made through blogging and decide that yes, I'd like to continue to have a blog because it really doesn't matter who reads it.

My blog is more of a way to keep in touch with the different friends I've made (like you :). But yes, it is true that I have to check myself often and not allow myself to get carried away by a lot of the other stuff.

Thanks again, Susan :)

Tori Leslie said...

Susan, This is a great post, I'm sure many ladies battle with this. Praise the Lord this isn't one of my problems but I know many ladies who seem to put alot of stock in the blog world.

I have seen this very thing with preacher's wives. They are raised to such a high place that they are little gods.

Thank for a great post!

LBP said...

Great post! I don't think I have found any blogger that I idolize but have met many who are inspiring of encouraging. Whether it be through decorating, way of live, homekeeping, cooking, etc. We just need to keep blogging in perspective.

Hope you have a great 4th!
Blessings
Linda

Sharon said...

What a gentle reminder of the "good" that we need to take from our dear blogging friends - and to let the Lord lead as us HE sees the need in OUR lives. Thanks!

Kelly said...

Hello! First time posting on your blog!!! And what a remarkable post. I can recall when I first started blogging, there was a certain place I would visit and I felt such conviction that I did not grind my own grains for homemade bread that I nearly made myself nuts!!!! Well a year later I do make my own bread but am not grinding my own wheat etc.....I am so happy to have read this, every point you made has touched someone out here in blogland, you are my idol!! lol, just kidding, you are pretty awesome though for doing this post!

a new friend,
Kelly

Anonymous said...

What a great post!! I posted on the same subject recently...it seems to be a common thing we are all guilty of.

love, Tina :)

Rebecca said...
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