“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.”- Jonah 2:8
In Chapter 4 (“The Age of Reckoning- Symptoms of a Deeper Problem”) of Finding God in the Ruins, Matt Bays notes that one phrase from Jonah 2:8 really impacts him- could be. Pastor Bays interprets the phrase to mean that something is expected of us. It’s asking for our help.
Eliminating worthless idols (in Matt’s case, alcoholism) requires discipline. Matt describes the importance of discipline:
“Not many of us love the word discipline, but it is a critical prerequisite to our journey inward. Discipline expects something out of us we are not always sure we have to give. . . . If you did, discipline would not be knocking on your door. It’s there to pinpoint what you’re lacking and then find a way, whatever it takes, to get that lacking thing inside you.”
Pastor Bays observes that when the foundational who we are is wrecked and we can’t seem to shake it off so we can get to what life could be, the temptation is to resign ourselves to that broken reality. Fear keeps us from committing to true and lasting change. We are afraid being pushed into alignment will be difficult.
In fact, a painful breaking must occur. And our lack of knowing how to change is not a free pass to remain the same. Susan Howard points out that internally we always will know the truth:
“We can never entirely silence the inner voice that always tells us the truth. We may not like the sound of the truth, . . . but when we pay attention to it, it lead us toward wisdom, health, and clarity. That voice is the guardian of our integrity.”
Today’s question (from Matt): What is the “worthless idol” you use to avoid real life? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “A theology of no more pain”
