Good article here where Christian Fox lists four idols that moms (and dads) can have
- Affirmation: This idol can include being affirmed by friends and family, and even by strangers, that our children are “so well behaved” or “so talented.”
- Children: Our children in and of themselves can become idols. Once we have children, they can become idols when we live for them and always try to make them happy.
- Success: We want our children to be successful because it is a reflection on us. We may press them endlessly to excel.
- Control: Being in control of all the details of life is a big idol for many moms. But because nothing is actually in our control, we become anxious, worried, and agitated when things don’t go as planned.
Nothing is wrong with any of these things in and of themselves. But the problem comes when the good desire becomes a demand. We desire each of these more than pleasing God. And God will often reveal our idols by changing our circumstances. Have you been delighting in any of these more than delighting in pleasing Christ?
Read the whole thing here.
I can really relate to the fourth on the list regarding control and I can attest to God’s changing of my circumstance as part of that revelation. It is not easy at all, but I do know that He works all things for good!