So there is a crazy situation with people of the Ganges Delta. They can’t seem to coexist with the Bengal Tigers. Why? These tigers keep sneaking up on people and killing them. In the 1980’s tigers killed 60 people a year on average in this region of the world. Making scarecrow like dummies didn’t work, carrying weapons didn’t work, an electric fence didn’t work. Nothing seemed to drastically reduce the death rate. It was a complex issue with seemingly no solutions. That is until someone made a timely observation. “People seem to be attacked when they are not looking.” To which this observant student suggested, “What if we painted eyes on the back of our heads.” So simple. So silly. It worked.
For the next three years, no one, NO ONE, wearing the mask was attacked. Those attacked had either taken off the mask OR refused to wear it.
I just googled “how to fight addiction.” In a matter of a literal second, Google found 227,000,000 related items on the internet.
I just googled “how to fight addiction.” In a matter of a literal second, Google found 227,000,000 related items on the internet. We don’t need a google search to know this is a major issue in our area. I can’t say this with 100% certainty but chances are we all know someone who has died from an overdose. We also don’t need to do a ton of research to know this is a complex issue.
What I’m about to say may over simplify the situation. Simplicity does not negate hardship. Applying simple principles are some of the most challenging steps for people to do. The combination of simple in theory and challenging in application often yields the greatest results.
"The combination of simple in theory and challenging in application often yields the greatest results."
Read this with me,
15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
the work of human hands.
16 They have mouths, but do not speak;
they have eyes, but do not see;
17 they have ears, but do not hear,
nor is there any breath in their mouths.
18 Those who make them become like them,
so do all who trust in them.
Psalm 135:15-18
And
And God spoke all these words: 2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before me. Ex. 20:1-3
We have many issues in our society. Guns, drugs, money, alcohol, bullying, etc. I see much of this as a symptom of a tough root issue; idols.
So much of this is turning a “thing” into an idol. It’s looking for satisfaction in something, when satisfaction ought to be found in God.
An idol is a fake God. An idol is a knockoff. An idol is a replacement god. The truth of Psalm 135 is that idols are things we create. We tend to worship the created over the Creator. We trust things we manufacture, create, develop over the Creator. “Gods” we are able to shape into existence are gods we are able to manipulate. End result? We become god. Do you really want that role?
Here is a truth; idols can never satisfy you.
True and meaningful satisfaction can only ever be found in Jesus Christ. He is God. He can’t be manipulated.
When He is our satisfaction our relationships have deeper meaning. When He is our satisfaction money doesn’t rule us and we find enjoyment in generosity.
Did sleeping with him really make you stronger?
Did that big purchase bring lasting happiness?
Did the high solve the problem?
These are all forms of unhealthy relationships.
The Ten Commandments are recognized by other faith groups beyond Christianity. Atheists often see it as a reasonable moral list. Do you notice how they start though? How were they established?
Notice this; Who spoke them? GOD.
What were they determined upon? Relationship.
I’m the Lord your God, I just did something AMAZING. I am trustworthy. Worship Me and Me alone. I did this. I brought you to this place. Your efforts accomplished nothing. Follow ME.
"But anything we worship above God, anything we crave above God, is sin."
Do I have all the answers? No. Does this blog post solve addiction? Perhaps not. We all have cravings and addictions. Some are simply seen as socially acceptable, some are not. But anything we worship above God, anything we crave above God, is sin. Whether socially acceptable or not, it’s idolatry.
So, again, I don’t have all the answers, but I do see a simple starting point; a relationship with Jesus Christ.
He is my identity. He is my satisfaction.
Pray for One,
Pastor Jason Coache,
Lead Pastor of Wellspring Church
Click here to learn more about Wellspring Church in Toms River!
