I remember when the new relationship buzzword, “codependency,” emerged in the 1980’s. Yeah, I’m that old. 😉

To be clear, psychologists have been identifying these unhealthy relationship patterns between the addict or alcoholic and their family members as far back as the 1930’s. It’s just that in the 80’s, the term took on a broader meaning to include, in short, anyone who forms an excessive and unhealthy dependency on another person. 

Funny how scientists come up with a “new” discovery or theory, when it is simply a rebranding of a very old concept or problem. 

What’s the old problem I’m referring to?

Idolatry

Many of us think of idolatry as worshipping an idol made by humans—something only ancient people foolishly did, right?

That might be true and one way to define it …

According to Webster’s dictionary, it is also “immoderate attachment or devotion to something.” Immoderate simply means excessive. (Don’t you just hate it when you have to define a dictionary definition?) But I digress …

Doesn’t that sound a lot like codependency? 

Unfortunately, when we rebrand codependency as idolatry, it takes it from dysfunction to depravity, which causes another problem.

If you admit you are a codependent, you are not thinking of yourself as an idolator, just as overly dependent. Besides, codependents can always blame their dysfunctional and unhealthy patterns on the unhealthy relationships they’ve experienced. Poor, pitiful victims.

But if you admit you are an idolator, the only one you can blame is yourself! It’s as bad as acknowledging you are a sinner! 

I hope you know I’m speaking facetiously because I also, sadly, tend to redefine and rebrand who I am and what I do most days. No one likes to think of themselves as an idolator or sinner.

But, sometimes, we must hit rock bottom to know there is a Rock to stand on. 

Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.

Isaiah 28:16

Who is this Rock? Jesus!

Christ is the One we need to worship and put our hope in, not some flawed and subpar version of our own making. 

Why should we worship God alone?

Nehemiah gives us some hints …

“You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.

Nehemiah 9:6

As God’s creations, we cannot truly know what is best for us. We only know what we “think” will make us happy. And once we get it, we realize how hard it is to keep the thrill and fulfillment in place.

In reality, God is the only One who can fulfill the longing you and I constantly feel for satisfaction. He is the only One worthy of our worship! The only One we can and should be “dependent on” because He loves us and meets ALL of our needs. And meeting our needs is so much better than meeting our wants.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Psalm 84:11

These good things you want for your life might start off as good desires. Wanting someone to love and appreciate you, to treat you with respect and give you attention are all good things. But If you make that person or desire your focus and priority over God, you are bound for disappointment and, ultimately, trouble.

Turn to God today because He is the only true love of your life … the only One you can depend on!