IDOLATRY

I read an awesome blog post about identifying idolatry. Here is an excerpt:


"Life only has meaning/I only have worth if…

I have power and influence over others." (Power Idolatry)
I am loved and respected by _____." (Approval Idolatry)
I have this kind of pleasure experience, a particular quality of life." (Comfort idolatry)
I am able to get mastery over my life in the area of _____." (Control idolatry)
people are dependent on me and need me." (Helping Idolatry)
someone is there to protect me and keep me safe." (Dependence idolatry)
I am completely free from obligations or responsibilities to take care of someone." (Independence idolatry)
I am highly productive and getting a lot done." (Work idolatry)
I am being recognized for my accomplishments, and I am excelling in my work." (Achievement idolatry)
I have a certain level of wealth, financial freedom, and very nice possessions." (Materialism idolatry)
I am adhering to my religion's moral codes and accomplished in its activities." (Religion idolatry)
this one person is in my life and happy to be there, and/or happy with me." (Individual person idolatry)
I feel I am totally independent of organized religion and am living by a self-made morality." (Irreligion idolatry)
my race and culture is ascendant and recognized as superior." (Racial/cultural idolatry)
a particular social grouping or professional grouping or other group lets me in." (Inner ring idolatry)
my children and/or my parents are happy and happy with me." (Family idolatry)
Mr. or Ms. "Right" is in love with me." (Relationship Idolatry)
I am hurting, in a problem; only then do I feel worthy of love or able to deal with guilt." (Suffering idolatry)
my political or social cause is making progress and ascending in influence or power." (Ideology idolatry)
I have a particular kind of look or body image." (Image idolatry)

The second part of his post was really direct as well!

If you seek POWER (success, winning, influence)…

Your greatest nightmare: Humiliation
People around you often feel: Used
Your problem emotion: Anger

If you seek APPROVAL (affirmation, love, relationships)…

Your greatest nightmare: Rejection
People around you often feel: Smothered
Your problem emotion: Cowardice

If you seek COMFORT (privacy, lack of stress, freedom)…

Your greatest nightmare: Stress, demands
People around you often feel: Neglected
Your problem emotion: Boredomhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

If you seek CONTROL (self-discipline, certainty, standards)…

Your greatest nightmare: Uncertainty
People around you often feel: Condemned
Your problem emotion: Worry

Here is the LINK if you'd like to read the post it in its entirety.