Deep Idols
by Johnny Smith
Earlier this year, I and group of men, led by our assistant pastor Ian, spent several weeks in a group meeting that Ian named the “Man Cave.” Our study was based on a series of books called 33 the Series, Authentic Manhood. After watching a video, we answered probing questions that involved exposing idols that are common to men. We learned that there are 3 main “deep idols” that are at the root of most sinful and addictive behavior: Control, Significance and Comfort. I would like to focus on the comfort idol today because it seems to be the most common. Although this study was aimed at men, I believe that there is much overlap to the negative behaviors that women are subject to.
We value comfort very highly in our society and eliminating stress is one way that we seek it. In fact, a stressor can be defined as any event, person, situation or feeling that takes you out of your comfort zone. Some stressors are good, and if we never leave our comfort zone, we will never grow and mature. The problem usually comes when stressors enter our lives unannounced, and stick around, sometimes for extended periods of time. For example, conflicts with family, friends or co-workers, loneliness, financial worries, boredom or persistent pain can all lead to ingrained responses that are hard to root out.
When we are out of that “comfort zone,” a number of automatic physiologic responses take place in our bodies and some of them are very unpleasant and damaging to our health. This leads us to seek relief, sometimes in the form of addictive or destructive activities that bring us temporary pleasures through chemicals that are released in the brain. These “mediators” bring a temporary feeling of pleasure or even euphoria. Notice I said temporary because earthly pleasure is never long lasting and stressors are always waiting for us around the next corner. If the stressors cannot be removed, the negative behavior will continue. Paul in Romans admits to suffering from this struggle in Romans 7:15:
"I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. ..... But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do."
If most of us are honest with ourselves, there are certain things that we go to when trouble comes knocking. It may be food, work, tv, drugs and alcohol, sex, or even shopping, to name a few. God made us to need Him, and greatly desires that we seek Him in these times of stress or trial. These little idols are just substitutes for the only lasting Comforter we can find, which is in our Lord Jesus, through the person of the Holy Spirit.
But how does that look? How can we find comfort the proper way? Good Christian friends can be one way to get help in making good decisions and getting temporary relief. We are called to help each other in times of difficulty or trouble. However, leaning on others is only a partial solution and cannot be a substitute for the lasting peace that comes only from God.
I have found that, for me, spending time alone with God and in His word works best. The bigger the stressor, the more time it takes. Early morning is my favorite time and has become a good habit that I look forward to daily. For most of my life this discipline eluded me. I could not understand how people could get up earlier than they had to, and focus on God and God’s word. It was only when I ran into trouble, for which my human strength and bad habits did not provide relief, that I sought the only true strength that is available, Jesus Christ. Soon, I began to see that God was making positive changes in my life, and in the people around me. I have learned to expect these small victories and I praise Him and give thanks to Him regularly for them. I see this as a form of the hope in God that is spoken of so often in scripture. Romans 15:13 says:
"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
If you find yourself struggling with a destructive habit or addiction, please seek help from others or even a professional counselor such as our wonderful Christian brother Mischa McCray. Always confess to God first and then trust Him to give you freedom. Our Lord wants us to have a life filled with love and joy. We just have to remember that it comes only from Him.
Blessings to you,
Johnny Smith
More in Westminster Presbyterian Church Greenwood
January 27, 2022
The Westminster PodcastNovember 23, 2021
Advent Book RecommendationsNovember 16, 2021
Treasure in Heaven
Leave a Comment
Comments for this post have been disabled.