it's Nita.

(Audio and Text)

We are in the age of influencers. From Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, television, books, podcasts, all manner of platforms can be used to promoting one’s agenda. We are enamored with men and women that amass large social followings and we vigorously defend our person as best. I won’t say all are this way. Perhaps there is healthy admiration but all to often admiration slips easily into idolatry, strife and division.

This issue is at the very heart of the Church and the heart of our personal relationships with Christ. As I worked on the first draft of this blog, I thought this was simply a topic for people that were outwardly boastful, you know clearly going way too over the top. But as I was reflecting and editing, God made it very clear this message was very much for me also. Like any man or woman I can been drawn into the trap of exalting myself or even others out of my own sense of purpose and drive to serve the Kingdom. Even if I am working for the gospel, I can still make idols out of my own grander and exploits. Yet, I want to be humble and point back to the giver of the gifts. For every I do and everything I am is for His glory.

In the same way, we can promote church leaders above the message of the gospel itself. You are probably familiar with these types of discussions. Well I only listen to so and so because he preaches how I like or I’m not coming to church because my pastor isn’t there. What is all this pointing to? Could it be we are participating in our faith out of our own comfort? Perhaps we are like those in the early church. We argue over who we should follow, still operating with an infant’s level of understanding. Do you remember what Paul said to the early church in Corinth? Look at 1 Corinthians 3.

"Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building." (1 Corinthians 3:1-9)

Let me explain. Paul desired the people to come to a more mature understanding of the things of God. He asks them questions to point their attention to the debates over following one disciple over the other. Like some of us are today, the people were divided. They made their allegiances to the people and thus caused quarreling and invoked unnecessary strife and division for those in the church. This behavior took attention away from God and placed it on individuals.

Yet, verses 6-9 show how our service to God is supposed to function. We are to be a collective body, each doing a part, while God is God–some plant, some water and God brings the increase. We are to be at the Lord’s service as a united body, not factions and fandom groups. It is important we are honest with ourselves about who we are really praising and glorifying. In this I pray God enlightens our understanding to any areas in our lives where we have placed the man over the message for this is nothing sort of idolatry. God is serious about the sin of idolatry and he is zealous for us to be lovers of Him first (Matthew 22:37-38). So let’s get back to the main thing–pointing people to Jesus and fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

If you feel you relate to this message, that you have set people or yourself above God, or that your pursuit of God hasn’t been God-centered, I invite you to pray this prayer with me.

God I confess that I have strayed away from the greatest commandment. To love you with all my heart, with all my mind, with all my soul, and all my strength. Lord please forgive me for putting people on a pedestal instead of seeking to worship you in spirit and in truth. God grant me a spirit of humility that I would always work for your glory and not my own. Father I desire to grow up and mature in my relationship with you. God please continue to reveal any areas in my life where I have not put you first. Help me to be diligent in laying down any idols in my life. Lord, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. In Jesus’ name, Amen. ❤️

Behind the writing veil: I don’t have any other insights for the making of this piece. I pray that God continues to minister to you on the topic of idolatry, and the Gospel and the center of the Gospel which is Jesus Christ as he has continued to minister to me.

Many blessings and always His Best.

Love you,

it’s Nita.