04-30-13 Idol Free Heart and Mind
While counseling a couple I suddenly interrupted the exchange and stated, “I cannot help you until you cast the idols in your mind aside.” I got a look that would have frozen a rattlesnake in mid strike. Though they had not explicitly stated that they were engaged in different fantasies of a biblically forbidden nature, they had with hints, body language and tone of voice broadcast such as though the truth was blazoned in neon. Every counselor will tell you that if you listen intently you will be told all you need to know to help.
In time, each stated similarly, “Yes, I honestly feel that if I could fulfill that which I fantasize about, I would be happier.” I explained, “Your fantasy has become an idol in that you think it will do what only God can do.” They already knew that with the first fling the first couple discovered the knowledge of good and evil was the last thing they really needed. Any form of ecstasy is momentary, but true fulfillment from God is lasting.
Because the heart and mind is infected due to sin, we must trust the Lord in order to keep our heart and mind through honest and intense prayer, Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
“An idol of the mind is as offensive to God as an idol of the hand.” A.W. Tozer.
Copyright © 2013 Larry Lilly
While counseling a couple I suddenly interrupted the exchange and stated, “I cannot help you until you cast the idols in your mind aside.” I got a look that would have frozen a rattlesnake in mid strike. Though they had not explicitly stated that they were engaged in different fantasies of a biblically forbidden nature, they had with hints, body language and tone of voice broadcast such as though the truth was blazoned in neon. Every counselor will tell you that if you listen intently you will be told all you need to know to help.
In time, each stated similarly, “Yes, I honestly feel that if I could fulfill that which I fantasize about, I would be happier.” I explained, “Your fantasy has become an idol in that you think it will do what only God can do.” They already knew that with the first fling the first couple discovered the knowledge of good and evil was the last thing they really needed. Any form of ecstasy is momentary, but true fulfillment from God is lasting.
Because the heart and mind is infected due to sin, we must trust the Lord in order to keep our heart and mind through honest and intense prayer, Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
“An idol of the mind is as offensive to God as an idol of the hand.” A.W. Tozer.
Copyright © 2013 Larry Lilly
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