American Idol

I can be obsessive when it comes to certain things. About a week or so ago, I had my own American Idol experience.

I love stuff: the latest electronic gadgets, clothes, bike parts, and more. My recent obsession was new stuff for my bike. For a period of a couple days, I became preoccupied with this. When I'm planning a purchase, I want to do my research. I read reviews, compare prices, etc. This isn't bad in itself. However, when it came to these recent events, I let myself be consumed. The amount of time, thought/focus, and energy I spent on my quest literally spent me.

The Bible says that those who follow idols become like them. Idols are deaf (don't hear), mute (don't speak), and they're without breath (i.e, they're dead!). Consequently, they can't give life (or any other worthwhile provision) to us.

My obsession left me dry. I got a glimpse of what it's like to really serve something other than the Lord. It was tiring (I was exhausted by the end of the second day) and draining (I really felt like life had been sucked out of me)--and I felt very thin.

How important it is to keep my focus on God! How depleting it is to give my heart away to another! Not only do I end up empty and unsatisfied, but those who I lead (not least of all, my wife and kids) suffer as well. And that simply won't do.