On Writing and Idols

~What you create is not worth worshiping~ 

  

This was spoken in context of idol worship in a message I recently heard. I thought about how much I love to create and then stand back and admire and enjoy what I have created. Do I sometimes even "worship" it? 

  

 Recently I decided to start writing again. I read up on some of the ways to promote my writing and to eventually make money from it. As I read random articles about getting paid from ads, building a reader following, and selling products, something didn't sit right with me. Why am I really wanting to write? Is it to promote me, myself and I? Sometimes I think it might be... 

"How yucky!" I thought. 

 

Do I hold myself up so much that I think everyone else needs to know me and my ideas too? 

  

I would like to clarify something right here, I do not look down on people who have a "following" and make money online. Not at all. Making money through writing and sharing with others is wonderful, and I'm happy for those who can do it. I would be interested to hear how you started, and what you have learned along the way. 

  

This just feels like a personal journery for me. Where do I start? What are my motives? Do I plan to work so hard on my "creation" that I don't even think about the One Who created me?

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1 John‬ ‭5:20‭-‬21‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

20 And we know that the Son of God has come  and has given us understanding so that we may know the true One.  We are in the true One — that is, in His Son Jesus Christ.  He is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, guard yourselves from idols.

I think this is the answer to my questions. It's not about having a "following" or not. It's about living in Christ and doing what He calls us to do, using the understanding He has given us. It doesn't matter if that is writing or mothering or jogging.

  

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What are your thoughts? Can we let what we do become an idol in our hearts?