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Smashing Idols
"They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised" Romans 1:25
It’s shocking to read Romans today and realize it was written 2,000 years ago not in 2021!
Also can we be honest for a moment? This passage is hard. The fallout that occurs in culture when we “exchange the truth about God for a lie” is massive.
And again, to be honest, when I read it, I initially think “them.” My mind quickly paints a picture of everyone else. Everyone who has embraced their version of freedom instead of the truth of God.
But if I let my heart pause an extra beat, I ask myself, where have I exchanged the truth of God for a lie? What have I allowed to subtly creep into my mind? Where have I made concessions because culture demands it?And maybe, like me, you get stuck with “I’m not sure to be honest.”
And sometimes I need to hear it another way. I read the Message version of this passage and something clicked. Maybe it will for you too.
“And all this because they traded the true God for a fake god, and worshiped the god they made instead of the God who made them.”
Ah yes, there it is. Where do I create God in my image? When do I say, “I think God would...” or “I could never believe that God would...” based on my own ideas? Where do I reduce Him down to a god in my image? My 2021 version? My cultural context?
There are many parts of the Bible that are hard. They are. The truth isn’t easy. It’s not comfortable. Simply the Gospel itself, the fact that we are sinners in need of a saviour is hard news.
We love to be independent, do it ourselves, accomplish and produce. But we can’t save ourselves. And a god we make in our image can’t save us either. We have to smash the idols in our hearts, as difficult as that may be, and embrace the truth of who God is. Jesus must not only be our Saviour but He must be Lord as well.
Can I offer a challenge in this cultural moment? Read the entire passage. Ask Jesus what He wants to say to your heart. Where have you allowed a little bit of un-truth to seep in? Where does confession and repentance need to happen?
And can I tell you something? This is a hard passage and a hard word - but this where true freedom is found - embracing the truth of who God is and letting Him transform us from the inside out.
Written by
Jaclyn Weidner is a mom of 3 talkative little girls, author of Tangled: A Soul Care Revival Guide, and Ready to Thrive Podcast Host! She loves Jesus, strong coffee and living on the west coast of Canada! You can find her and resources at www.jaclynweidner.com
