Four Root Idols

Many different people have written about four root idols that all of us struggle.   Here they are:

1. Power:  A longing for influence or recognition

2.  Control:  A longing to have everything go according to my plan

3.  Approval:  A longing to be accepted or desired.

4. Comfort:  A longing for pleasure.

John Calvin has said, "The evil in our desire typically does not lie in what we want, but that we want it too much."

Thomas Chalmers said, "The best way to overcome the world is not with morality or self discipline.  Christians overcome the world by seeing the beauty and excellence of Christ.

Practically speaking we can overcome:

1. Power:   By submitting to his power.

2.  Control :  By surrendering to the one who is ultimately in control

3. Approval:  Recognizing that we have his approval.  Which is most important.

4.  Comfort:  Remembering He is the God of all comfort.

Pastors and/or leaders can suffer from these idols from time to time.  Which one is most likely to occur in your life?