As we read through the Bible and recall stories of the Israelites worshiping a golden calf – we may think how silly it is to bow down to a statue.
But the truth is many of us practice current idol worship today and have our own “golden calf” we idolize.
And in marriage, if we aren’t careful, we can elevate our spouse to a level God never intended – and idolize them without even realizing it.
So how do you know if your spouse has become your idol?
Spend some quiet time with God and ask yourself these questions.
Do You Think You “Need” Your Spouse To Make You Whole?
While it’s right and just to love your spouse – they are not Jesus.
No person can ever complete you – and placing that expectation onto another human being not only sets them up for failure – but often leaves the other spouse full of disappointment.
Marriage is a wonderful gift from God, and is meant to represent Christ’s love for His church – His bride.
But the most important relationship you have shouldn’t be with your spouse – it should be with God.
When you are filled up from the love of God, then you can express love to your spouse as an overflow from your heart.
While the world talks about “finding a soulmate” or “the one” – none of this is Biblical.
Does Your Relationship With Your Spouse Draw You Closer To God?
In a healthy marriage, both spouses love God more than they love each other.
And in loving God, they serve one another joyfully – along with serving God’s people in the way He’s called them to.
But sometimes in marriage, one can get so focused on “pleasing” their spouse and having their entire world revolve around them – they lose sight of everyone else.
Sure, it’s wonderful to take care of one’s home or work to provide for one’s family.
But if a married couple is only spending time with each other – and not using their God-given gifts to serve others – something is off.
This doesn’t mean filling up a schedule of commitments just to check off a box of service – but it does mean living the way God has called you to.
Of course, this is different for every family.
Maybe some families serve God by fostering or adopting children so no child feels alone in this world.
Or perhaps it could be doing missions together overseas – or even hosting a Bible study to disciple new believers.
The important thing is to remember to keep your eyes focused on God – stay in His Word and make sure He holds the highest level of admiration in your eyes.
Do You Expect Your Spouse To “Fix You”?
It’s common for couples to enter marriage carrying baggage from the past – whether from unhealed childhood trauma or the hits of life from adulthood.
But instead of seeking Biblical counsel and spending time with God – asking Him to heal their wounds – many people look to their spouse for that healing.
They might think their spouse can “fix them” and make up for all the past pain they’ve experienced.
Hollywood installs this belief into young children – teaching them a “Prince Charming” can rescue them from themselves.
But remember – God is our rescuer – and He is the only one Who can fix our defects of character and heal our past wounds.
Your spouse can (and should) minister to your wounds – and be there for you to pray with and for you – but they can’t fix you.
If you’re married – keep on loving your spouse – but make sure you haven’t made them an idol in your life.
And if you’re single – continue to seek God’s plan for your life – and know that you aren’t “missing out” – but right where He has called you to be.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” – John 3:16-17
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