Reality is divided between The Loving Programmer and programmed entities. Human programs have been written and downloaded with free will. We have this in common: nearly all of us choose to “like nice things”.
One person may like lizard-skin boots, and say about them “I like nice things.” Others may find them hideous even while saying “I love my alligator purse.”
The idol without is the thing to which we are attracted. The idol within is our feeling of superiority in preferring a better idol without. When we look down at idols that others prefer, we are worshiping our own feeling of superiority. Idols without and within.
We worship self when objects take on a status that helps elevate ourselves. “I like a good over/under more than the best side by side.” a shooter might say. Hearing that, others may nod wisely. Another may disagree. “Can’t beat a good single-barrel trap gun.” All who consciously participate in such a conversation are saying, “I am better than you because I have chosen a better idol.”
That conversation may be about soap, tennis shoes, Rolexes, automobiles, shampoo, furniture, clothing, various types of steak, organic food, exercises, vacations, travel destinations, the preferred source of energy, means of travel, coffee makers, or the preferred type of dog or cat. Every such conversation is concerned with elevating the idol within.
Ecclesiastes 2:11 explains that those who focus on programmed entities find little happiness. “Then I looked at all the works that my hands had worked, and at the labor that I had labored to do; and behold, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was no profit under the sun.”
As we get older, and begin the downsizing process, we find some purifying. We begin to get rid of the idols without.
Collections of things once thought to be important disappear. Furniture, clothing, appliances, tools, cars, antiques, and other things are gotten rid of. We find, suddenly, that many people are in the business of removing and recycling old idols.
One may notice something fascinating: Many try to get the business of removing our old idols without by praising our idol within. “You should be proud of having selecting such good qualities of all these idols you’ve accumulated.” they say as they encourage us to utilize their business of old-idol disposal by praising our idol within.
In getting rid of the idols without, we do not want to let the idol within be proud of how much better we have become than those who still accumulate idols without. We only want to be thankful we’re removing barriers that separate us from The Loving Programmer.
Why did it take us so long to understand? Idols without and within.
