Balancing Fixations/Idols and Priorities: Keeping God at the Center of Life.

Fixations can have several meanings depending on the context, but generally, they refer to a strong and persistent attachment, interest, or preoccupation with a person, object, idea, or behavior. Here are a few fixations that are most common that we all deal with on a pretty regular base:

1. Psychological Fixation: In psychology, fixation describes a condition in which an individual's intense attachment or preoccupation with a specific developmental stage can impede their emotional or psychological maturation. Consider how this concept might apply to the way we perceive our children's development or our frustration when we perceive our spouse as not progressing as we expect them to.

2. Cultural Fixation: In a cultural setting, fixation can denote a prevalent or fervent fascination with a particular trend, subject, or celebrity. For example, society's fixation on a trending TV series, a celebrity's personal life, a Netflix series, or perhaps even interests like football or beauty.

3. Work Fixation: In a professional environment, fixation can take the form of an all-consuming obsession with one's career. This fixation may revolve around an unwavering pursuit of climbing the corporate hierarchy, attaining professional accomplishments, or relentlessly seeking recognition in the workplace. In some instances, it might simply entail an imperative need for financial stability, tracing the dollar as a fixation, a necessity, and, at times, a dominant force in one's life.

4. Church Fixation: In the realm of faith and church participation, fixation can take the form of a profound devotion to religious customs, doctrines, or congregational events. This fixation might materialize as an unyielding allegiance to religious rituals to the detriment of other life dimensions, placing the church's activities and edifice above personal moments of intimate connection with God through gratitude, love, and prayer.

5. Family Fixation: Family fixation relates to a profound preoccupation with one's family, often at the expense of respecting personal boundaries and individual development. This fixation could entail excessive protectiveness, micro-management, or difficulty in allowing family members to lead autonomous lives. In such cases, our desire to exert control can inadvertently limit an individual's growth potential, as we may not have allowed them the freedom to let go and let God guide their path.

6. Spouse Fixation: Being fixated on a spouse can show up as continual worry or being preoccupied with their well-being, and this might lead to codependency, a struggle to preserve individuality, or even moments of anger stemming from their deeds, omissions, expressions, or oversights. These fixations within marriage can escalate, underscoring the importance of embracing love and promptly extending forgiveness. Allowing an anger fixation within a marriage is akin to a destructive hurricane, causing harm to all involved and sending its repercussions into various facets of life.

7. Anger Fixation: Anger fixation refers to an intense and persistent focus on feelings of anger, resentment, or hostility. It involves an inability to let go of past grievances, leading to chronic anger or a preoccupation with seeking revenge or retribution. This fixation can have detrimental effects on one's mental and physical health, relationships, and overall quality of life. Managing and addressing anger in a healthy way is crucial to avoid the negative consequences of anger fixation. Is your anger bigger than your God?

Now let's define what an idol is: Idolizing something means to excessively admire, worship, or hold a deep and often unhealthy attachment or reverence for a person, object, idea, or concept. It involves placing the subject of idolization on a pedestal, attributing unrealistic qualities or significance to it, and often neglecting or sacrificing other important aspects of life or values in pursuit of this fixation/idol. Idolization can lead to distorted perceptions, unrealistic expectations, and an imbalanced focus that may ultimately have negative consequences on one's well-being or relationships.

So, it's safe to say we can interchange the word "fixation" and replace it with the word "Idol.

How does the bible define IDOL?

Throughout the Bible, idols are depicted as false "gods" or objects of worship that draw people away from the one true God, and the worship of idols is strongly discouraged. The emphasis is on the exclusive worship of the Lord and the avoidance of anything that could lead to idolatry. Here are a few key verses that provide insights into how the Bible defines idols:

1. Exodus 20:3-6 (KJV): This is one of the Ten Commandments, which states, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God."

2. 1 Corinthians 10:14 (KJV): "Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry." This verse emphasizes the need to avoid idolatry and the worship of false gods.

3. 1 John 5:21 (KJV): "Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen." This verse serves as a reminder to avoid idolatry and to stay devoted to the one true God.

In certain instances, our fixations and tendencies toward idolization can inadvertently lead us to worship false deities. When we elevate psychological, cultural, work, church, family, spouse, or emotional concerns to a higher priority than our devotion to God, we essentially place them above our spiritual connection with Jesus Christ, our enthroned King.

Here are four steps, illuminated by scripture, to ensure balance and proper placement of fixations so we don't fall into idolatry and that we always prioritize worshiping and honoring God above all else:

1. Scriptural Self-Examination: Scriptural Self-Examination: Regularly engage in self-examination guided by scripture. As Psalm 139:23-24 (KJV) encourages, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." Allow God's Word to reveal any misplaced fixations.

2. Prioritize God's Kingdom: Make a deliberate effort to prioritize the growth of your spiritual relationship with God. Matthew 6:33 (KJV) reminds us, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." Prioritizing God ensures that He remains at the center of your life.

3. Set Scriptural Boundaries: Establish boundaries in alignment with biblical principles. Proverbs 4:25-27 (KJV) advises, "Let thine eyes look right on and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil." These boundaries maintain equilibrium and prevent fixation.

4. Scriptural Surrender and Gratitude: Practice surrender and cultivate gratitude rooted in scripture. Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) reminds us, "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Surrender your fixations and desires to God, trusting in His divine plan and wisdom.

By recognizing that our problems are temporary and finite while God's power and presence are infinite, we can keep our faith stronger than our fears. Trusting in God's sovereignty and seeking His guidance reminds us that He is always greater than any challenge we may face.

He is Worth Our Worship.

Amanda Allen

Write & Blogger

www.KingdomRevelations.com