This pandemic season has affected all of us differently. Some have lost loved ones. Some have lost income. And some have lived their lives with very little disruption.
There are no easy answers. Strong feelings, division, and anxiety threaten every interaction. We’ve found ourselves tip-toeing around sensitive topics and sharing private medical information to people we barely know.
“Would you like us to mask up?”
“I’m going to stand over here to give us a little more space.”
“I don’t know how you feel about vaccines, but just so you know, we’re vaccinated in case that’s a concern for you.”
It’s weird. No matter how respectful you try to be, it’s awkward. And at this point I think we’ve all embraced the awkwardness.
But in private (or on social media), our true feelings come out. And I think it’s time we each sat quietly with our thoughts to evaluate in our own hearts whether we’ve elevated some of the current hot-button issues to the level of “idol.”
Because here’s the thing. All idols are made of gold. That is, they are constructed from things that are good and wonderful and beautiful. And rejecting an idol doesn’t mean rejecting the good thing itself, but rejecting it as our absolute savior. It’s okay to advocate for the things you believe in, but not at the expense of all else.
{Like your witness.}
It’s possible to mask faithfully, accept the vaccine, and be concerned about our freedoms in this country. But if your cries for “TAKE THE SHOT,” “FOLLOW THE SCIENCE,” or “PRESERVE OUR FREEDOM” are louder than your demonstration of Christ’s love for others, you may have elevated it too far.
Here are some examples.
- Are you trusting in your vitamin regimen to keep you healthy? You may influence your family’s health, but you don’t have complete control.
- Are you waiting for a children’s vaccine to give you peace? It may save a life, but it will never be a savior.
- Is freedom your biggest concern? Christ promises freedom, but it’s of a different kind.
Friend, there is nothing wrong with any of those things. Vitamins, science, research, data, vaccines, masks, freedom…they are ALL good things. But NONE of them offer true salvation, and none of them are our Savior. And if we’re looking to ANY of those things to bring us peace, we’ve accidentally made it an idol.
Because all idols are made of gold.
Have you inadvertently worshipped an idol during this pandemic? Tell us about it in the comments.
