Playing the Fool

Idolatry is a religious/Biblical world for the things we place in the place of God. The easiest litmus test is to simply ask this question: What is the thing I can't get enough of? What are things or the people or the ideas I have to have more of or else I feel like I will die? This is idolatry. Anything or anyone that takes the place of the presence of the living Jesus.

Might be a relationship.
Might be a dream.
Might be revenge.
Might be a degree or a promotion or a move or a change.

Idolatry is like salt-water. Ever so thirsty . . . we drink whatever appears most appealing. We drink and and drink and drink thinking the salt-water will quench but, in fact, it only leaves us with a great thirst. The great early church theologian, Augustine, said it like this -- we will never find rest until we rest in God.

Elijah (and eventually Jesus) enters into the idolatry and plays the fool. The holy fool exposes our idolatry and invites us into a deeper awareness of God's love and presence. God moves, we move. God doesn't force himself upon us. God acts, and invites us to come deeper.

To put down our jars of salt-water and drink the good stuff.