While rehearsing for a surge of fifty concerts this summer, rock star Michael Jackson collapsed and was pronounced dead at the age of 50. Counseling hotlines were overwhelmed with despondent fans. At least twelve suicides were directly linked to hysteria over Jackson's death. Their idol was dead, and for many, life lost its meaning.
As misguided as it may seem to put hope in an aging rock star, each of us is wired to invest time, energy, and passion in what we believe will truly satisfy our hearts. Put another way, we all choose "saviors" in life—the things, experiences, or people we believe are capable of delivering us from the uncertainties and insecurities we face.
That's why the Bible warns us repeatedly against idolatry (1 John 5:21). An idol is created anytime we place our hope and trust in something other than Jesus to meet our needs or satisfy our desires. An idol is a substitute for the only true Savior—a sort of functional savior.
When we rank other things as more important in our hearts than Jesus, or when we turn to them first for deliverance, we commit the sin of idolatry. These "functional saviors" aren't so difficult to identify—just ask yourself, "What are my greatest fears? What am I unwilling to live without? What makes me angry? What do I talk about most with others?"
These questions penetrate to the heart of idolatry by revealing how we define "hell on earth" and, more importantly, what we believe will ultimately deliver us from it. For example, if hell for me is remaining unmarried the rest of my life, then I'm tempted to pursue a mate to "save" me. If financial instability is hell for me, then a high-paying job is an appealing savior. If denial of self is hell for me, then indulging my cravings will be my salvation.
While there are countless ways we are tempted to sin, at its core sin is always more than a wrong behavior—it is a worship issue. Sin is an outward manifestation of misplaced inner allegiance. Jesus rightly pointed out that the commandment to love God first actually sums up the whole of God's law. If we can get our heart priorities in the right place, our behaviors will follow.
The alarming spiritual reality is that it is possible to be trusting Jesus to save us when we die, while acting as if He is inadequate to save us today. When we believe the false promises of idols, we become blind to the truth that only Jesus can save.
My experience in pastoral ministry has convinced me that most of us are very slow to identify our own idolatry. Our tendency is to deal with the fruit of our sin while remaining woefully ignorant of the deadly root of our misplaced affections. Until something is taken away—until the divorce papers are signed, a child goes astray, or a financial investment sours—we fail to grasp our lack of dependence on Jesus.
The only antidote for idolatry and false dependence is the gospel. The good news of the gospel reminds us that the work of Jesus is completely sufficient to save. Nothing can be added to or taken away from what He has provided. Through Him alone we receive God's open invitation to real intimacy and satisfaction.
Is Jesus really your Savior?
Nate is the Pastor for Discipleship and Leadership Development at Christ's Covenant Church in Winona Lake, IN.
There are things or people in which we tend to place our worth and security. These become our "functional saviors." Nate McLaurin reminds us that Jesus must be the focus of our worship. Nate serves as the Director for Discipleship and Leadership Development at Christ's Covenant Church in Winona Lake, IN
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