A Tale of Three Idolatries

As a pastor in 21st century USA I am constantly bombarded with cultural standards that distort the calling of God. For instance, our culture celebrates impetuousness of youth; the scripture celebrates wisdom from the aged. Our society elevates power and control as the measures of success; the scripture servanthood and generosity.

But recently I have been praying and seeking God about the vision of the church. I have been trying to wrap my head around our strategy for getting to where he wants us to be. The fact is that the local church is the hope of the world, and our vision should reflect the hope that we're bringing it.

And here is where the conflict emerges with our culture. Because in the society I pastor there is a major problem with idolatry. These are the major idols that I believe we face:

• Business/Finance is the hope of the world.
• Education is the hope of the world.
• Medicine is the hope of the world.
  

I would argue those are listed in order of respect in our culture from least to greatest. The gospel of Jesus Christ lived out through the work of the Church has been replaced by these institutions. Further, I believe that government was at one time on this list, but is diminishing in our society's view. It had its chance, but proved that it could not be the hope of the world. Ultimately each will fail, but we must be vigilant in esteeming the Church as the hope of the world.

I think many have viewed the problems of idolatry in our country as hedonistic practices like sexual promiscuity, pornography, and the indulgence of intoxication. But I believe these practices are just the coping mechanism for a world ever separated from the true Hope that can only be found in Christ. That's why if there is any hope for the world it will come through the local church.

--Ben