Becoming Like What We Worship

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us,

but to your name goes all the glory

for your unfailing love and faithfulness.

Why let the nations say,

“Where is their God?”

Our God is in the heavens,

and he does as he wishes.

Their idols are merely things of silver and gold,

shaped by human hands.

They have mouths but cannot speak,

and eyes but cannot see.

They have ears but cannot hear,

and noses but cannot smell.

They have hands but cannot feel,

and feet but cannot walk,

and throats but cannot make a sound.

And those who make idols are just like them,

as are all who trust in them.” – Psalm 115:1-8

Woah – those that make idols will become just like them.

Perhaps it seems absurd to you to worship wooden carvings, but the reality is humanity is prone to turn anything or anyone into an idol. The western world screams for us to worship self. Our identity, sexuality, fame, wealth, comfort, and entertainment are all things that our culture likes to portray and wrap-up in language of self-love, or success. Afterall, don’t we deserve the best of everything? Don’t we need what makes us feel good? Don’t we deserve the fame and wealth, and all the ‘creature comforts’ our hearts desire?

If we become like what we worship, then this is great news for Jesus followers who have a heart full of authentic love and worship of their Saviour. This means we become like Him, full of love, joy and peace, and forgiveness – full of wisdom and truth and discernment. For those that have made idols of themselves, or their pursuit of success, or the pursuit of acquisition of money and things… the final outcome may be full of a lot of heartache.

It does make you think though, eh? What is it that I’m worshiping that I am becoming like? What are the eternal ramifications of what I’m seeking daily? Is there anything deep in my heart that needs to be plucked out from the root?

Father God create in me a heart that’s full of worship. A heart focused on You and the things that bring You glory. Form me into the likeness of Jesus. Continually molding my heart and mind to love, think, and operate like Him. May my life be a reflection of Who I worship and Who I belong to. In Jesus’ name, Amen.