The previous post addressed my infatuation with TV, how it became an idol in my life at the age of 9, and five initial lessons I learned from the sin of idolatry.
- Idols are good things mishandled by people
- Idols make people lie
- Idols demand to be worshipped
- Idols cause people to forgo wisdom and caution
- Idols leave people hanging
The first half of the story ended with my being locked out of my house because I had given my parents the impression I had gone to bed when in truth I had slipped out of my house, unnoticed, to indulge in TV watching at the neighbor's house way past my bedtime. I was spotted outside of my home by a woman who literally dragged me to the door which Papi opened and I raced inside to hide under the dining room table.
Lesson # 6: Idols lead idolaters to a place of hiding
From my hiding place, I could hear the conversation between Papi and the woman. She kindly reported how she saw me outside and how concerned she was, knowing how diligently my parents raised their children. She said she knew at once that Manmie and Papi were unaware of my whereabouts so she had to do something.
My mind was wildly looking for ways to get out of the mess I had created but I found that I was running out of ideas. I heard the click of the door latch and soon Papi's footsteps were heard going in the direction of my bed.
My heart felt its first twinge of remorse at the thought of duping my father yet again. Why did I choose to hide from him?
"Lou, where are you?"
His deep bass voice resonated with much power and loving pity.
I couldn't bring myself to answer him right away, so struck was I by the familiarity of that question. It brought me right back to Genesis 3. I saw a real connection between my situation and that of Adam and Eve who chose to hide among the trees of Eden when they heard God's footsteps and heard His voice calling out to them.
"I'm under the dining room table," I pitifully croaked.
I was afraid of Papi.
I was afraid of seeing his disappointed face.
I was afraid of his questioning look and utter disbelief.
I was afraid of having to explain my disobedience and reveal my shame.
I was afraid of baring my heart and admitting that my idolatry had stripped me of my innocence.
Lesson # 7: Idols lose their power when people hide in holiness
With great humility and care, Papi got on his knees and bent over before he could finally see me where I was. His loving eyes hurt more than I could describe because the more I looked into them, the more I realized what an undeserving recipient I truly was. At the same time, they contained a healing power that gave me the strength to accept Papi's gracious hand.
I was guided out of my hiding spot.
I was disciplined.
I was hugged.
I was loved.
More importantly, I was led to discover the power of God's Word that night. Papi patiently taught me how far I had gone from the necessary mooring of my heart. He helped me realize that I had been obsessing over TV and my selfish wants instead of worshipping the only One deserving of such adoration. I was able to clearly see how insulting my idolatry was to the holiness of God.
I wish I could say that those seven lessons stuck with me from then on. Unfortunately, I have slipped, disobeyed, wandered, strayed, and faltered many times on this journey of love and faith. Yet, one thing I do know, my condition would have been similar to that of the fallen angels had God not provided me with an earthly father who was willing to call out to me with such love and mercy.
I am even more grateful to think that the love of my Heavenly Father is greater still . . .
Precious Father, just like You walked on Eden's grass in search of Adam and Eve who were hiding from You, thank You for walking on the pages of Your holy Word searching for Your followers. Thank You for stooping down to our level when we hide in the stupor of sin. Thank You for finding us when we are lost, for bringing us back when we have strayed, for healing us when we are ill, for forgiving us when we have wronged You, and for lovingly guiding us out of darkness moving us into the light of Your holiness and love!
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