Idolatry is rampant among Christians. I know this sounds counter-intuitive but it is true. I am as guilty of idolatry as any jungle Hottentot and I know I am not alone. Think about how almost every waking hour we are in front of some kind of screen (TV, computer, smart-phone, ipod, etc.). Granted, some of these hours are distinctly work related but many are not. I spend more time with the Huxtables, Taylor’s (Tim and Andy), and Barone’s than I do with people who need to hear about Jesus. This idol of entertainment can subtly rob you of time that could be spent practicing community and building up God’s kingdom.
So how do you rid yourself of this idolatry? Here are a few steps that have helped me:
1. Prepare Yourself to do battle – Subverting idols means doing spiritual warfare. No I don’t mean anything sensational here, I mean daily preparing yourself to practice spiritual disciplines. Start the day by praying on the armor from Ephesians 6 and keep it on through constant prayer throughout the day.
2. Change your habits – Instead of planning on coming home and vegging in front of the TV, plan time for reading the Bible or books that help remind you of the importance of the gospel. Also when you do watch TV, make it deliberate. Don’t go to a TV without a plan or watch shows or movies without having your discernment at the ready.
3. Invest time in people – I have never heard of anyone lying on their death bed saying they wished they had watched more TV. It is the time you invest in the lives of others that will reap eternal dividends. Understand that as a believer, you are called to be a part of a covenant community that is centered on the gospel. Make the most of this by spending time with and loving, serving, encouraging, and enjoying others.
There is also a wonderful resource along with the Bible that I heartily recommend. Here is a video that tells you about it:
Holy Subversion from Crossway on Vimeo.
