Control

Today's sermon was on Acts 8: 9-25 and naming the root idols of our heart. The passage was about Simon the Sorcerer and his obsession with power. Martin used this to discuss 4 source idols that we worship. 

"¹⁸ When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money ¹⁹ and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! ²¹ You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. ²² Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. ²³ For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

Jesus requires exclusive worship. He alone is KING. But we all have our idols.
1. Power
2. Control
3. Approval
4. Comfort

My idol is most definitely control. The "polishing your halo before you read your Bible" kind of control that I desire over perfection. But you know what, I am NOT God. It might sound silly, but I forget that almost every day. Because my idol is control, I have the tendency to make others feel condemned around me. Which I totally saw this semester when someone told me that I was too deep and too spiritual. While I disagree with the person, I understand that their claim has legitimacy because I was probably unintentionally condemning them with my "better" works. So, I will endeavor to be more encouraging and praising so that my control does not condemn. 1John 5:21 says, "Dear children, keep yourselves from idols." We must shine light on our idols and JESUS will scatter the darkness.
Here's the projects: dig deep. get specific. (because the Gospel gives you permission) and name your idol.
Here's the promise: Jesus says that there is no deep place that He is not still deeper. He goes with us. When we reach the bottom, He is there saying, "I love you. I forgive you. My resurrection is your destiny." 

So, here's the song I listen to when I slip into controlling. I use it as a prayer to God, when my words are not enough.

For some of my friends and loved ones who have shared with me the idols they are naming, here are some songs I think you might find encouraging or helpful. Approval.