Idolotry???

I would like to submit a seemingly outrageous claim. I submit that, of all people, perhaps Christians are the most prone to commit idolatry. I'm not talking about the idolatry that comes in the form of wealth, materials, addictions, or anything like that. I'm talking about an idolatry that comes in the form of one's purpose or fulfillment.

Below are two scenarios demonstrating the idolatry that I continually struggle with.

1) It's my day off. After drifting in and out of lovely sleep for a couple of relaxing hours, I reach back to my headboard and grab my Bible. I read a couple of chapters and am strengthened by the Word of God. I get out of bed and head to the shower. The shower (FYI) is a great place to pray, so I pray and dedicate my day to God. Over the course of the remainder of the day, I encounter temptations and small trials which I prayerfully overcome. At the end of the day I am happy. I feel a sense of fulfillment. My day, though not perfect, was a day of obedience to God. I'm happy today because, all in all, I lived in a godly manner.

2) I wake up at 7:30 on a work day and head to the shower. As per normal, I pray in the shower and surrender my day to God. On the way to work someone pulls out and passes me, only to slow down as soon as the passing lane ends. That person drives slow the rest of the way into town. Chances are, my attitude toward that person was less than godly. Throughout the workday, lots of things go wrong. As things go wrong, my attitude turns lousy and I occasionally curse under my breath. So much for surrendering my day to God. I'm in a bad mood when I get home because it has been a stressful day. As evening draws to a close, I'm disappointed. I'm disappointed because of my unchristian behavior. I'm upset because I didn't behave in a godly manner.

As a Christian, I believe that true joy comes from Christ and Christ alone. However, when I reflect on these scenarios, it becomes clear that I often seek to attain joy from my own performance. When I seek joy anywhere else apart from Christ, that is idolatry.

It is vitally important that I receive receive my joy and satisfaction from beholding, enjoying, and worshipping Christ. The only goodness that I am to delight in is the goodness of Christ. Then I can realize that any goodness shining through me is merely an overflow of the perfect goodness of Christ Who, by His Spirit, dwells within those who embrace Him.