Relational rifts causes shame. Having an unattainable idol also causes shame. If we are experiencing shame, we need to ask ourselves, "Is this shame sorrow over a lost relationship OR disappointment for an unmet idolized goal?Bible Reference - Jeremiah 10:14 “Every goldsmith is shamed by his idols. His images are a fraud.”
Reflection -
Sometimes people shame us. Other times, we are shamed due to righteous conviction.
I think there are two important questions we need to ask ourselves before the Lord to be sure people’s accusations are not righteous conviction...
- Is my behavior shameful?
- Am I shamed because I idolize something that is a fraud? What do I idolize? glory? admiration? others?
Prayer -
Lord, point out areas we feel shame frustration because we are pursuing things we ought not. Help us to seek YOU because that is a goal we can achieve. You promise that when we seek you, we will find you. You also promise that those who know you will not be put to shame. Grow our relationship so who you are is such a close reality with us that any other pursuit is contextualized and prioritized correctly.
