The Competing Thing

I was recently asked how we know when something wholesome and good has become an idol in our hearts.

I think the answer depends on whether it influences, impacts, and directs more of my life than God does. Even something good can become an idol when we use it in the wrong way or fail to seek His kingdom first.

Hebrews 12:1-3 addresses this. It exhorts us to throw off “everything that hinders” and “the sin that so easily entangles.” It encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus and be encouraged and inspired by His example of perseverance, endurance, commitment, and strength.

An interesting observation is that we may need to “throw off” some things that are not necessarily sin but nonetheless entangle and distract us. As an example, I love sleep. Some of my favorite parts of the day are having my quiet time in the morning, enjoying family time at dinner, and crawling into bed at night. After the holidays when school began, I would still be sleeping in. This, of course, made the day shorter, and I wasn’t as productive as I used to be. Sleep isn’t wrong—God grants sleep to those He loves (Ps. 127:2)—but idleness is. This was something God was convicting me of and a habit I needed to break (with His help, of course). I needed to throw off this thing that hindered and use my time wisely.

Entertainment and food, as other examples, are not bad, but they shouldn’t run our lives. Some questions I’ve found helpful are

• What does my life revolve around?

• What is the focus of my desires?

• What is the focus of my schedule?

• When there is a conflict, what do I prioritize?

• When it comes to emotions and passions, does it rob me of my passion for God and truth?

• Does it distract me from keeping my eyes on Jesus (going back to Hebrews 12)?

• Does it cause me to lose heart?

• Does it cause me to sacrifice important things?

• Does it encourage or inspire me?

• If I were to ask those closest to me or people I trust, would they say it has become an idol?

Randy Alcorn explains how God blesses us materially for our enjoyment (1 Tim. 6:17). According to him, just one way to keep our entertainment from becoming our idol is giving. Whatever we do should be for the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31). We can enjoy God’s gifts, but they shouldn’t replace the Giver. Giving can act as a reminder that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.

In some ways, maybe this tension is healthy because it causes us to prayerfully reevaluate and reflect on our priorities. Rethinking what I judge or see as important—whether academics or a certain project or activity or achieving a certain goal—recalibrates my perspective. If I am not seeking His kingdom first, I’m not seeking His kingdom. Thankfully, God understands and is gracious and gives us His good desires as we delight in Him.