Unmasking the Idols of Our Age
In today’s fast-paced world, women are constantly bombarded with promises of happiness, fulfillment, and empowerment. However, these promises often lead to disappointment, hurt, and confusion. Jen Oshman, a seasoned women’s ministry leader and mother of four, has identified five idols that have taken hold in our culture, causing damage and disillusionment among women.
The Deceptive Lure of False Idols
These five idols – outward beauty and ability, cheap sex, the abortion industry, the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, and the idol of marriage and motherhood – may seem appealing, but they ultimately fail to deliver on their promises. They prey on women’s deepest desires for identity, hope, and empowerment, leading them down a path of destruction.
The Insidious Influence of Culture
The cultural narrative surrounding these idols has become increasingly prominent since the 1960s, seeping into the church and affecting women from all walks of life. Even Christians who love the Bible and believe in the gospel can fall prey to these influences. It’s essential to recognize the subtle yet pervasive nature of these idols and their impact on our lives.
Why These Idols Are So Effective
At their core, these idols tap into humanity’s fundamental desire for meaning, identity, and power. They promise to fill the void left by our sinful nature, which seeks to find significance in anything other than our Creator. Since the sexual revolution, women have been searching for their place in society, leading them to seek answers in these false idols.
The Identity Component: A Critical Factor
The connection between these idols and issues of identity, personhood, and relationships is undeniable. The sexual revolution, in particular, has made identity a tricky terrain for women. As a culture, we’ve come to value the male body and career over the female body and domesticity, leading to a distortion of what it means to be a woman.
Finding True Hope and Empowerment
Jen Oshman’s vision is to inspire women to reject these idols and find real hope in Jesus. By embracing their identity in Christ and recovering God’s design and purpose for their lives, women can break free from the destructive patterns of our age and live a life of true fulfillment and empowerment.
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