More on Idols

Here are the notes that my pastor had for common idols in our lives. The scripture references used for the sermon were 1 John 5:21 and Jeremiah 2:4-18. I think these things are so important to understand.
Common Idols Life has meaning for me or I have self worth:

Power Idolatry – …if I have power and influence over others.

Approval Idolatry – …if I am loved and respected by others.

Comfort Idolatry – …if I have a particular standard or quality of life.

Image Idolatry – …if I have a particular look or body image.

Control Idolatry – …if I get mastery over my life in particular areas.

Helping Idolatry – …if people are dependent on me and need me.

Dependence Idolatry – …if someone is there to protect me.

Independence Idolatry – …if I am completely free from obligations or responsibilities to care for others.

Work Idolatry – …if I am highly productive by getting a lot accomplished.

Achievement Idolatry – …if I am being recognized for my accomplishments and excelling in life pursuits.

Materialism Idolatry – …if I have a certain level of wealth and nice things.

Family Idolatry – …if my kids and spouse are happy and especially happy with me.

Relationship Idolatry – …if Mr. or Miss Right is in love with me.

Suffering Idolatry – …if I only feel worthy of being loved or able to deal with my guilt when hurting or struggling.

Pleasure Addiction – …if I have something fun and entertaining to look forward to in the future.

Religious Performance – …if I am adhering to my religious moral codes.

Now, of course you won't find this definitive list in the bible, but it can certainly be concluded...However, if someone would like to point out specific scripture to the correct modes of baptism or the Lord's Supper, please do(JUST KIDDING...please don't attempt). I will say that what I draw to in my own mind is the parallel, if you will of Idolatry to Christian contentment.

Bear with me for a moment, I'll do a long blog perhaps on that subject anyway. I picked up one of the many many books that I'm labouring to get through at some point in life and read a couple of pages. The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, by Jeremiah Burroughs...a Puritan he was and a Puritan he did write as. The great thing about reading Puritans is that their intelligence level and meatiness of writing can pack two pages of what might take half a book to say these days. Anyway, the main point that I got out of those pages today was God, Jesus Christ is our contentment. No matter the affliction or suffering, God is to be our all in all and that is what he desires for us who are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ.

He says the key is this: "God has all things in himself, and you have God for your portion, and in that you have all and this is the mystery of contentment." Oh, to know God more, I might then know thyself more!