“If you live gripping the past, you will forfeit you future. Adversity can either make you bitter or better.”- Charles Stanley
In today’s blog, Charles Stanley completes his discussion of six common idols we often hold too tightly.
5. The past. Dr. Stanley states in no uncertain terms that the past is one of the most destructive idols of all. This happens when we fixate on the people who have hurt us or we harbor unforgiveness. If our pain turns to bitterness and unforgiveness, we have reached a dangerous point. We begin to suspect the Lord’s motives, fearfully expecting more trials or further wounding.
Our past becomes an idol when we trust our experiences more than we believe in God. We don’t have to allow this to happen. Our adversity can be a bridge to a deeper relationship with the Father if we set our heart to trust Him.
6. Hobbies. While hobbies and preferred forms of entertainment aren’t necessarily wrong in themselves, there is a problem if they grab more of our attention than the Lord does. Even ‘harmless’ activities and pastimes can consume us, Dr. Stanley writes. Hobbies have no capacity to diminish our profound feelings of emptiness, exile, or worthlessness following our vocation loss.
Today’s question: Which of Dr. Stanley’s six common idols resonate most with you? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “God’s workmanship”
