Modern Idols: Devotions From Time Of GraceSample

The idol of the body

The root of all idolatry really is the worship of self, so it’s no surprise that one of the forms idolatry can take is an unhealthy self-absorption with your body and appearance. We all want to look nice when we step out of the house. But expensive clothes, designer accessories, makeup, jewelry, and hair care and all the time they take can become an exhausting competition. Do you feel judged? Inadequate and insecure in how you look? Whose approval for your appearance do you most desire?

And what’s not to love about personal fitness? God certainly wants us to care for our bodies; much of our personal health (or lack thereof) is within our control. How do you know when attention to exercise and diet (good things) become dysfunctional obsessions (i.e., a bad thing)? Is it your dream to have a buff bod as your number-one self-identifier? Are you vain about your six-pack abs? Worse--are you depressed and self-hating because of your midriff softness?

The Word of God demolishes all idols if we but pay attention to it. Do you want to feel better physically? Did you know that a good relationship with God will actually improve your health and help keep your self-image in balance? “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones” (Proverbs 3:6-8).