“Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; they make no sound in their throats. Those who make them are like them; so are all who trust in them.”
Excerpt from Psalm 115: 4-8; 16b-18
It is said that no one has seen the words, “I wish I’d spent more time at the office” on a tombstone. A former colleague told me that she decided to re-think her priorities after asking her 4-year old daughter to do something and the daughter’s reply was: “I can’t mommy, I’m in a meeting.”
Here the psalmist speaks of silver and gold idols that neither speak, hear, smell, or feel . . . or dance. The same is true for each of us as the worship of lifeless forms diminishes our highest and best joy. True worship happens in the places we devote our time, money, deepest affection, and gratitude.
Are you feeling lifeless today? If so, look for lifeless idols on your calendar, in your checkbook, and on your balance sheet.
Idols can be many things: as excessive work—even ministry work; judgment that holds on to old hurts and arguments; the striving for perfection that makes us high achievers, but perpetually dissatisfied or alone; focus on our kids at the expense of being present for a spouse or partner; risk aversion or excessive risk-taking; abusing gambling, alcohol, or drugs; fear and emotional unavailability . . . and so much more.
The highest aim of your life and mine is to glorify God, manifesting our best as God has uniquely made and called us, generating spontaneous thanks and praise for ourselves and others . . . by just being. Is there time for that God-creation on your calendar? Is your God’s creation dancing through the events, relationships, and memories of the last week . . . or are you in a meeting?
God is still asking, “May I have this dance?”
Gracious God, get me on the dance floor and twirl me! Amen
Grace and Peace
Steve
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