Functional gods
In my Bible study, recently (No Other Gods by Kelly Minter), Kelly was talking about the biblical story of Jacob, Leah & Rachel, and how both of these women had their sights set on their (functional) ‘gods’: Leah’s ‘god’ was Jacob (his love), and Rachel’s ‘god’ was bearing children.
What stood out most to me, though, was this:
How many of us settle for so much less than what’s available to us, simply because our sights are set on the wrong Source?
Leah’s sights were set on what Jacob could do for her, rather than on how God was answering her desires and healing her pain… in His way.
Rachel’s sights were set on the fact that her lack of children made her feel ‘less than’, rather than being grateful to God that she had the love and devotion of her husband, Jacob.
Both of these women were consumed by their false gods. They couldn’t (wouldn’t) see how God was actually present and active in their lives.
I think, then, of my own life… and the things that I’m focused on or striving after. Where am I discontent? What am I looking to for satisfaction and fulfillment?
… Leah thought that ‘if only’ she could have Jacob’s affection, then she’d be satisfied.
… Rachel thought that ‘if only’ she could bear children, then she’d be satisfied.
I often think, ‘if only’ I could …
- be successful in my business (earning money)
- have a better house
- have a more reliable vehicle
- lose the excess weight…
… then I’d be satisfied.
I’m striving. I am looking to earthly things and accomplishments for satisfaction, fulfillment, and peace.
Yet, I’ve had these things that I wanted, before… but I’ve not found satisfaction.
Reason being, God alone can fully satisfy. No person, place, thing, or accomplishment will ever suffice! Only God being our everything — above all else — will ever bring the kind of fulfillment we seek.
It’s okay to want those other things — a healthy home, a loving marriage, a well-cared-for body, a thriving career — so long as we don’t seek them more than we seek God… so long as we remember that the only thing we truly need is God, alone. Everything else is merely icing on the cake — an added blessing! (“Seek ye first the Kingdom of God… and all these things will be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33)
As long as we feel we need anything other than God, we will be discontent, striving, and chasing ‘idols’. But if we believe that we need nothing but God to be satisfied, then everything else becomes simply a blessing given to us from Him! (not earned of our own merit or action).
I don’t need a thriving business… because God has promised to provide for all of my needs. Yet, He has blessed me with this gift of being able to use my talents and skills in service to Him. God gave people work so that they could have a sense of accomplishment over the work of their hands, and something with which to fill their days. I, personally, am blessed to be chosen to use my gifts for Him in this way!
I also don’t need weight loss in order to be acceptable or loved or admired, as God loves and accepts me as I am. However, God also calls us to be good stewards of these earthly bodies so that we can carry out His Kingdom plans, and He wants us to seek Him for comfort — not food. Food has also become a false ‘god’ for me.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Father, forgive me for setting my sights on all of these other things — looking to them for satisfaction — when only You are the true answer! I praise You for Your grace, mercy & patience with me, Lord. Thank you! Amen.