Functional saviours are like house pests: We probably don't know them but there's a chance we're plagued with them. Idolatry has long been an issue among us. In our hearts we have probably honoured more idols than we would ever dare to think about.
What's the first picture you have in mind when you hear the word idol? You might imagine a wooden or stone figure of a person or creature that people bow to and offer sacrifices to. That definition of idolatry may still exist nowadays, but the way that we build and worship idols has evolved through the years.
Nowadays idols can take the form of even the most ordinary and day-to-day things that we probably never notice but have now taken control of our thoughts, actions and desires in a way that was only meant for God.
Here are seven of the most common functional saviours today.
1. Our Own Desires
Probably one of the most dangerous and cunning functional saviours is ourselves. It's in our human fleshly nature to put premium on our own self-interests and satisfaction and to make ways to satisfy ourselves even if it goes against God's will.
2. Money
There is nothing wrong with money, but an improper view of money can get us in trouble. Whether we value it too little or too much, when we lose a balanced view towards money, we start swinging towards the "idolatry" side.
3. Career
We all want to make a name for ourselves. While legacy and influence are something God desires for you to achieve, they're not supposed to be emphasised. When we root our identity on what we do, and not what Christ has done for us, we make career and reputation our functional saviour.
4. Amusement
We live in a day and age when entertainment is everywhere. We have social media, videos, games and other applications at the touch of a fingertip. These can get in the way of us and God. The most common way this manifests is when we prioritise them over God and our relationships with others.
5. Religion
Christianity and Christ are two completely different things. When ministry, doctrine and creeds cause us to do anything that is not honouring God and showing love and compassion to other people, we have now used religion as a functional saviour to give us false hopes.
6. Relationships and Connections
Who are the first people that people run to in times of need? For some, they are their parents; for others they can be their friends. Whoever they are, God can and will use them as a channel of His guidance and blessing, but that's all they ever will be: channels. At the end of the day, Jesus is the only One who saves us and delivers us from evil.
7. Opinions
Too often we might try to protect our own opinions, or those that agree with ours, at the expense of growing spiritually or in relationship with others. You are not your opinions. You are a child of God regardless of your political, social or economical opinions.
