Post by: Jono Lin
In contemporary Christian circles, the term ‘idolatry’ is often used to only describe inanimate objects that are listed in scripture. We usually discuss the plight of the Israelites and struggle to relate to the fervor of physical idol worship. However, it is not too difficult draw applicable meaning for our own lives. There are vast amounts of resources on the internet where idolatry is discussed further in depth, but I wanted to focus on specific areas where I feel the Millennial Generation is typically consumed. Through my own trials and fights against the threat of idolatry, I was able to find solace in God’s saving grace (1 Timothy 1:15). This is the second segment of our three-part series. (Part 1)
Career
Everyone wants to climb the corporate ladder and make boatloads of cash. You are not unique in that context. The internet glorifies rags to riches success stories because everyone constantly tweets, likes, and shares them. However unlike what these stories portray, most of us have to work hard in order to gain very little. Bills seem relentless. You’re getting older. Your kids are getting older. Your body seems to ache more than it did five years ago. All the while, your friends seem to be set in their careers with high paying salaries while you’re still stuck in school with a mountain of debt. It seems even more unfair when some are born into riches, don’t have debt, and are currently where they’re at just because of their family members’ connections. And as a result of these perceptions, the excitement and intrigue you once had seems to slowly diminish; being replaced with the desire to generate maximum profit.
The hard work-to-success ratio did not turn out to be as proportional as you had believed it to be. I understand the struggle. You’re constantly hearing about the “successes” of family members and friends while you aren’t as “successful.” The career dreams you once had no longer seem realistic while the equally idealistic careers of others seem to have been realized according to their posts on social media. The Instagram post of the company building, company vehicle, promotion, bonus, raise, and so on serve only to make you feel worse. You’ve done everything right, and yet, there’s misery in your life just because you saw some pictures online. You’ve worked just as hard as the next person, so shouldn’t you deserve to post such glamorous images as well?
Stop. Stop comparing yourself. Stop idolizing what others are doing and how much they’re making. Forget the mindset of needing to climb the social ladder where people try to climb over the career achievements of others. Instead congratulate and be happy for others and their accomplishments, while holding no ill-will towards them. Let people live their lives while you live yours. I’m not going to tell you to focus on yourself, because we as humans are inherently prideful. Nor am I calling for mediocrity. Rather, I’m telling you to put on an attitude of gratitude. I am calling for you to work your hardest at what you do and simply hope for the best, knowing that God is in control (Isaiah 41:10).
While everyone can appreciate a large paycheck and mountains of success and recognition, rest in the fact that God will take care of you (Psalm 94:19). Though other bible-believing Christians may seem to be leaps and bounds ahead of you in terms of career, that is between them and God. Jesus Christ did not go to the cross just so you can work yourself into insanity. He went to the cross because He loves you and cares for both your temporal and eternal well being. Your career and life may never advance to where you want it to be. However, rather than being concerned with your personal status and reputation, strive to sincerely work your hardest to glorify God. You are currently where you are because that is where God, in his perfect timing, has positioned you for now. By putting Jesus at the center of all your efforts, you will effectively prevent idolatry of yourself and your career. Ultimately, desire to glorify God maximally with what you do.“Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17 ESV). Only God knows what the future holds.
In Humility,
Jono Lin
Jono Lin's mission in life is to share that there's a God who has not stopped loving people, even before their conception at birth! He has served in churches in various capacities with wide variety of ethnicities, and desires to bring biblical truth to contemporary culture. He believes that a strong witness and genuine relationships are absolutely essential in order to really love others. He believes that there is more to life than meets the eye and desires that all people come to know Jesus Christ.