From my Bible study

[kiralamouse]

Examine examples of idol-based "life-lies" and mark those to which you seem most prone.

__Power idolatry: "Life only has meaning/I only have worth if -- I have power and influence over others."

__Approval idolatry: "Life only has meaning/I only have worth if -- I am loved and respected by..."

__Comfort idolatry: "Life only has meaning/I only have worth if -- I have this kind of pleasure experience, a particular quality of life."

__Image idolatry: "Life only has meaning/I only have worth if -- I have a particular kind of look or body image."

__Control idolatry: "Life only has meaning/I only have worth if -- I am able to get mastery over my life in the area of..."

__Helping idolatry: "Life only has meaning/I only have worth if -- people are dependent on me and need me."

__Dependence idolatry: "Life only has meaning/I only have worth if -- someone is there to protect me and keep me safe."

__Independence idolatry: "Life only has meaning/I only have worth if -- I am completely free from obligations or responsibilities to take care of someone."

__Work idolatry: "Life only has meaning/I only have worth if -- I am highly productive, getting a lot done."

__Achievement idolatry: "Life only has meaning/I only have worth if -- I am being recognized for my accomplishments, if I am excelling in my career."

__Materialism idolatry: "Life only has meaning/I only have worth if -- I have a certain level of wealth, financial freedom, and very nice possessions."

__Religion idolatry: "Life only has meaning/I only have worth if -- I am adhering to my religion's moral codes and accomplished in its activities."

__Individual person idolatry: "Life only has meaning/I only have worth if -- this person is in my life and happy there and/or happy with me."

__Irreligion idolatry: "Life only has meaning/I only have worth if -- I feel I am totally independent of organized religion and with a self-made morality."

__Racial/cultural idolatry: "Life only has meaning/I only have worth if -- my race and culture is ascendent and recognized as superior."

__Inner-ring idolatry: "Life only has meaning/I only have worth if -- a particular social grouping or professional grouping or other group lets me in."

__Family idolatry: "Life only has meaning/I only have worth if -- my children and/or my parents are happy and happy with me."

__Relationship idolatry: "Life only has meaning/I only have worth if -- Mr. or Ms. 'Right' is in love with me."

__Suffering idolatry: "Life only has meaning/I only have worth if -- I am hurting, in a problem - only then do I feel noble or worthy of love or am able to deal with guilt."

__Ideology idolatry: "Life only has meaning/I only have worth if -- my political or social cause or party is making progress and ascending in influence or power."


Thought-provoking, ain't it?

Comments

[hollywdliz.livejournal.com]

Wow. There's a lot to think and pray about there, for sure. Thanks for posting that.